Speaking to Sky News on Sunday, James Cleverly said the probe would use a formal definition of Islamophobia as its starting point, the Daily Mail reported.

Interviewed by Niall Paterson on Ridge on Sunday, Cleverly was challenged over a poll which suggested that a majority of Tory members thought Islam was a threat to the British way of life and was asked whether there would be an inquiry into Islamophobia in the Conservative Party.

He replied: 'The point is, we have always taken a robust line with people who have said inappropriate things, or inappropriate behavior, and we will always do that.'

'One of the things we need to get is the definition of that [Islamophobia], and so specifically on that point we will be guided by the formal definition of Islamophobia.

'But the point is, we do and will always take firm action with anyone who steps outside the boundaries of appropriate behavior.'

He pointed out the company behind the shock poll did not have access to Tory membership lists so could not be sure the findings accurately portrayed Conservative members' views.