Boris Johnson could be made to attend diversity training course over burka comments – rather than get booted out of the party

BORIS Johnson could be told to go on a diversity training course rather than be chucked out of the party over his burka comments.

The ex-Foreign secretary is not likely to have the whip withdrawn from him and is set to get told to attend a course instead, The Telegraph reported.

MP James Dudderidge told the newspaper that he feels reassured there would be “no negative outcome” from the inquiury – after he spoke to Tory chairman Brandon Lewis.

Yesterday it was announced the now backbench MP would face an investigation for a column where he compared women wearing burkas to “bank robbers” and “letter boxes”.

The news comes as furious Tories have accused the party of a “witch hunt” to weaken Boris ahead of leadership bid – and now say that an attempt to oust Theresa May is MORE likely.

Tory MP Andrew Bridgen told : “I believe this is politically motivated, by the internal politics of the Tory party, by politicians who want to humiliate and destroy Boris Johnson.”

He added: “I believe that the public will see this for what it is – an internal Conservative party witch hunt instigated by Number Ten against Boris Johnson, who they see as a huge threat.”

And one MP told the Independent that the handling of the affair had been so bad that it boosted the chance of a summer leadership contest.

They said: “After Chequers the membership are in a hostile mood like I’ve never seen never them before, and there are MPs saying this could all precipitate a leadership challenge in the summer and if not then at conference.”

The ex-Foreign secretary’s remarks are currently being looked at by an investigating officer, who could dismiss them, or refer them to an investigations panel for further action.

Outraged Tories last night said: “It’s a stitch-up to weaken Boris. They are tactically stupid.”

Livid pals last night accused the PM and Tory party chair Brandon Lewis of being “out to get” their man purely because he is a leadership rival.

They added it was impossible for Mr Johnson to get a fair trial because the party chair had already called his remarks “offensive”.

Mr Johnson, who is currently on holiday in Italy, is refusing to say sorry for his remarks, and insisted he was expressing his freedom of speech.

Allies pointed out that he had also said it would be wrong for Britain to follow Denmark in adopting an outright ban.

Today Rebecca Hilsenrath, Chief Executive of the Equality and Human Rights Commission said Mr Johnson’s comments were “inflammatory and divisive” but did not say they broke international laws.

She said: “The effectiveness of our democratic society depends on freedom of expression and the expression of offensive and intolerant opinions is generally not unlawful.

“Boris Johnson’s use of language in this instance, which risks dehumanising and vilifying Muslim women, is inflammatory and divisive. Political figures should lead by example, conducting debates in a responsible manner and language such as this can inhibit legitimate dialogue.”

A source close to the ex-Foreign Secretary told The Sun last night: “Boris has no intention of apologising. He didn’t call for a ban and his view is that there has been a total over-reaction.

“They risk splitting the party in two. Actually the Prime Minister isn’t as strong as that – make it splitting the party into a third and two-thirds.”

A Tory MP added: “This investigation is a complete joke and it puts us in a very dangerous situation.

“The party has declared war on him when a lot of us agree with what Boris said – and a lot of the public do too.”