EX-MEP Sajjad Karim has accused an unnamed senior minister of 'Islamophobia' - as several Conservative Party members are suspended over allegedly using similar material in online posts.

The former Pendle councillor and Simonstone resident told a TV interviewer he had experienced conversation with Islamophobic content "conducted by very senior members of the Conservative Party - in fact parliamentarians, one of whom is in fact a serving minister at this moment in time".

Labour officials say that if the former North West Euro MP's assertions are correct then the minister concerned should be sacked.

Shadow Women and Equalities Minister Naz Shah said: "Whoever this is, they are not fit to serve as an MP, let alone as a Government minister.

"Boris Johnson must act, find out who it is and sack them."

Mr Karim, who has been a previous target of far-right intimidation, has spoken out amid reports Tory party members had been suspended for similar conduct on Twitter and Facebook.

A Conservative Party spokeswoman said: "All those found to be party members have been suspended immediately, pending investigation.

"The Conservative Party will never stand by when it comes to prejudice and discrimination of any kind.

"That's why we are already establishing the terms of an investigation to make sure that such instances are isolated and robust processes are in place to stamp them out as and when they occur."

The spokesman also confirmed that any further allegations disclosed would be investigated.