Charity asks Tory MP who confuses two ethnic minority ministers to step back from role

James Gray (left) with Nadhim Zahawi at the parliamentary reception

Tory MP James Gray has been asked to step back from activities with a charity, after reports he mixed up two ethnic minority ministers at an event, saying "they all look the same to me".

The MailOnline has reported he confused then-vaccine minister Nadhim Zahawi with Health Secretary Sajid Javid.

Following the event, St John Ambulance said it did not "tolerate racism".

Mr Gray acknowledged that he mixed up the two men but denies saying "they all look the same to me".

Speaking to the BBC, the North Wiltshire MP said: "I think I said 'I mixed you up', something like that", adding that it was a "very silly non-story".

He said he hadn't been contacted by the charity about stepping back from his role and had even received an invitation on Tuesday to one of their events.

He also denies reports Mr Zahawi - who was born in Iraq - spoke to him about the incident at the event, adding that the men are close friends.

The BBC has been told the charity spoke to Mr Gray over a week ago about stepping back from his involvement with the charity and that the invitation to the MP from St John Ambulance was inadvertently sent out and would be retracted.

Asked for a response, the Conservative Party said: "These comments were misjudged. We do not tolerate racism or discrimination of any kind."

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Mr Gray has been accused of making the remarks in September at a reception in Parliament held to celebrate the work of St John Ambulance's volunteers and staff during the coronavirus pandemic.

As a Commander in the Order of St John, the parent charity of St John Ambulance, Mr Gray was hosting the event.

According to the reports, he was introducing Mr Zahawi to the stage but instead referred to him as Sajid Javid, who was also at the event.

After his mistake, the MP is said to have told the audience: "They all look the same to me."

Mr Gray has previously apologised for his comments about Labour chair Anneliese Dodds

Following the event, the charity said it had asked Mr Gray to step back from activities with the organisation.

A spokesman said: "St John does not tolerate racism in any way, shape or form.

"We spoke with James Gray following the event about our values as an open, inclusive and progressive charity."

Last month, Mr Gray apologised for joking that "a bomb" should be delivered to the office of Labour Party chair Anneliese Dodds.

Speaking to the Mail on Sunday, he said: "It was a foolish remark," he told the Mail on Sunday, adding: "I meant no offence and hope none was taken."

Earlier this year Labour's deputy leader Angela Rayner also confused Mr Javid - who has Pakistani heritage - with another politician - referring to him as "Sadiq Javid" apparently partly confusing him with Labour London Mayor Sadiq Khan.