Lord Ranger, who was born in Gujranwala in Asia in 1947 and moved to Britain at the age of 27, warned Conservative members of the consequences of not naming the former chancellor as the party’s next leader. He said Tories would get a “bad name” if they chose Liz Truss over her rival.
In his provocative remarks, Lord Ranger told an Indian TV channel: “If people reject him, it will be a bad name for the party and the country as it will be perceived as racist.
“And so there is pressure on them to prove that race doesn’t matter.
“Caliber matters, and Rishi’s caliber is above everyone else.
“I’m optimistic that the people here will be honest and not reject anyone based on race.”
In a follow-up statement on social media, Lord Ranger further claimed that because of his heritage, Mr Sunak should work harder than Ms Truss is Prime Minister.
The donor said: “It will be a turning point in British politics when a non-white candidate will prove that this country is ready for change.
“I can assure you that Rishi will have to work harder than anyone else because he has to prove that he is just as good, if not better.”
Tory MPs were proud of the diversity of conservative leadership candidates.
At the start of the race, there were five ethnic minority MPs and four women competing for the top position.
Conservatives have pointed out that the latest duel between the son of immigrants and a woman is proof of the party’s inclusiveness.
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“Race plays no part at all in this leadership competition. It is a battle of ideas and policy.
“Britain is not a racist nation and the British cabinet is a role model of racial unity under the Union Jack.”
In a video that launched his leadership campaign earlier this month, he shared: “Let me tell you a story about a young woman, almost a lifetime ago, who boarded a plane, armed with hope for a better life and love from her family.
“This young woman came to Britain where she found a job, but it took her almost a year to save enough money for her husband and children to follow.
“One of those children was my mother of 15.”
He added: “My family gave me opportunities they could only dream of, but it was Britain – our country – that gave them and millions like her the chance for a better future.”
Mr Sunak’s campaign team has distanced itself from Lord Ranger’s comments.
A source said, “Rami’s opinion is his own.”