Britain’s first Muslim cabinet minister Sayeeda Warsi leaves Conservatives

Sayeeda Warsi resigns, accusing Conservatives of far-right politics after a row over pro-Palestine activist

Britain’s first Muslim cabinet minister, Sayeeda Warsi, has resigned from the Conservative Party, accusing it of embracing far-right politics and exhibiting hypocrisy in its treatment of different communities.

Sayeeda Warsi, who served as co-chair of the party under former Prime Minister David Cameron, announced her departure on Thursday, describing the party’s shift as the reason for her decision. “The current Party is far removed from the one I joined,” she said.

Her resignation follows controversy over her support of pro-Palestinian protester Marieha Hussain, who was acquitted of racial abuse charges.

Marieha Hussain had faced racial abuse charges for displaying a placard featuring then-Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and former Home Secretary Suella Braverman, along with coconuts under a tree.

Prosecutors viewed the placard as a racist insinuation, and the placard suggested that although Rishi Sunak and Suella Braverman appear brown on the outside, they act white on the inside.

After the acquittal, Sayeeda Warsi posted a photo of herself drinking from a coconut and congratulated Hussain, which led to complaints and the party’s announcement of an investigation into her use of "divisive language."

Sayeeda Warsi defended her stance, stating that Hussain had been found not guilty in a court of law, and criticised the leadership of Rishi Sunak and Suella Braverman for their views on the matter.

A Conservative Party spokesperson confirmed that an investigation had been initiated into the complaints, adding that all issues would be addressed impartially.

Sayeeda Warsi has a long history of standing against racism and Islamophobia within the Conservative Party, previously defending MP Nusrat Ghani and criticising Suella Braverman’s comments on pro-Palestine protests.

Sayeeda Warsi had also resigned from a ministerial role in 2014 over the government’s policy on Gaza, calling it "morally indefensible."