The remarks, branded as racist and Islamophobic, drew widespread condemnation. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's party faced growing pressure to address the issue, especially in light of rising Islamophobia and anti-Semitism in the UK.

Simon Hart, enforcing party discipline, announced the suspension. Anderson had alleged on GB News that Khan, the first Muslim mayor of a Western capital, had given away the city.

Senior Conservatives and the Muslim Council of Britain rebuked his comments. Following silence from top officials, the mayor accused the government of passive complicity. Anderson, now without party allegiance, will serve as an independent MP.