A Bournemouth MP is under investigation by Conservative party officials for comments he made to the Daily Echo about travellers.

But allies of Conor Burns say it is all part of a plot by the government to get at Boris Johnson and derail any leadership bid against Theresa May.

Mr Burns who represents Bournemouth West, is Mr Johnson’s closest political aide and was at his side at the Tory conference fringe last week when the former foreign secretary made a barnstorming speech. The event turned into a huge media scrum.

Mr Johnson faces an internal inquiry into comments he made in his newspaper columns about burkas and suicide vests.

Mr Burns is apparently being probed over alleged racist marks made ‘to his local paper.’

It followed the arrival of a traveller encampment in Bournemouth town centre in August.

A number of people linked with camp in Glen Fern Road went on the rampage forcing bars, pubs and some shops to close. As local MP, Mr Burns vented his frustration.

“These people think the normal rules of civilised society do not apply to them” he said. “It is utterly unacceptable in a town like ours in the middle of August with an economy that depends on tourism.”

He said those involved had turned the town into “a no go area for local residents and visitors” and added: “This issue has been a running sore throughout the entire time that I have been a Member of Parliament and before.

“There are inadequate enforcement powers to swiftly move on these illegally-set up camps in settled communities, causing profound disturbance to decent people who make their full contribution to society and pay their taxes” he said.

Mr Burns was unavailable for comment for yesterday but colleagues branded the racism allegation ridiculous and said he was being targeted because he was so close to Mr Johnson.

The MP has been an ally of Mr Johnson for sometime.

They are both ardent Brexiteers and Mr Burns served as his parliamentary private secretary at the Foreign Office.

Mr Johnson was the guest of honour at a Bournemouth West Conservatives black tie dinner at the Highcliff Marriott in May 2016, a few weeks before the EU referendum.

Bournemouth East MP, Tobias Ellwood backed his colleague: “Conor was simply expressing a frustration felt by many residents who are all too familiar with the scale and frequency travellers break into Bournemouth’s green spaces.

“This costs the council £1000’s in legal fees and clean up as well as causing stress for residents.

“We need both more robust police powers to deal with illegal encampments as well a workable local transition site.

“I understand under the party’s constitution, complaints are automatically considered for investigation.

“It’s important MPs and party members are held to account but this should not prohibit speaking out on controversial or sensitive issues without fear of being taken out of context.”