British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has ordered an investigation into accusations made by a legislator that she was removed from a government ministry position in part because her Muslim faith made colleagues uncomfortable.

Nusrat Ghani, 49, who was fired as a junior transport minister in February 2020, told the Sunday Times that she was told by a “whip” – a parliamentary discipline enforcer – that her “Muslimness” had been highlighted as a factor in her dismissal.

“The Prime Minister has requested that the Cabinet Office launch an investigation into the claims made by Nusrat Ghani MP,” Downing Street stated.

“The Prime Minister, as he stated at the time, takes these charges extremely seriously.”

Mark Spencer, the government’s top whip, claimed to be the person at the center of Ghani’s charges.

Johnson met with Ghani in July 2020 to address the “very serious” allegations, according to a representative for the prime minister’s office.

According to Downing Street, when the claims were originally made, Johnson advised her to file a formal complaint with the Conservative Campaign Headquarters.

“She declined this offer,” Downing Street stated.