RISHI Sunak has slammed Lee Anderson's comments as "not acceptable" and "wrong" as he denied the Tory Party has Islamophobic tendencies.
The Prime Minister also dismissed a potential voter backlash in the Red Wall over his sacking of Ashfield MP Mr Anderson.
He told BBC Radio York: "It's important we maintain high standards."
The former deputy party chairman was stripped of the Tory whip on Saturday for failing to apologise after saying London Mayor Sadiq Khan was controlled by “Islamists”.
He sparked widespread condemnation from across the political divide including from several senior Tories.
The Prime Minister also faced criticism for not publicly commenting on the fallout over the weekend, with Mr Khan saying his “silence” amounts to “tacit endorsement” of Islamophobia.
During a string of regional radio interviews this morning, Mr Sunak was asked whether the Tory Party had "Islamophobic tendencies".
He replied: "No, of course it doesn't. And I think it's incumbent on all of us, especially those elected to Parliament, not to inflame our debates in a way that's harmful to others.
"Lee's comments weren't acceptable. They were wrong, and that's why he's had the whip suspended."
On whether Mr Anderson's suspension could be a blow to his election campaign, the PM replied: "It’s not about that. I think in a situation like this, it’s important that we maintain high standards. That’s why the whip was suspended."
It comes as messages seen in a Tory MP WhatsApp group by the Telegraph highlighted fears of a backlash from voters in the Red Wall.
No MP expressed support for Mr Anderson in the group chat but they have suggested it is constituents who have concerns.
Tory MP for Hartlepool Jill Mortimer shared an email from a constituent that read: "Today's news of Lee Anderson's suspension has been the final nail in your party's coffin."