The Conservative Party candidate for Crofton Park has been suspended pending an investigation, after she compared Islam to Nazism.

Karen Sunderland called Islam "the new Nazism" in a tweet from December, and in November asked why those who follow Islam live in the West.

Another tweet from October last year seemed to ridicule the use of a hijab.

Her Twitter page has since been made private.

Her December tweet read: " Love your optimism. The thing is, religion undermines the hard fought for values and tolerances of progressed countries...suppresses free speech and is auto immune from criticism. This is toxic and where the hostility comes from. Religion is totalitarian. Islam has become the new Nazism."

Her November tweet read: "...Parents will simply bang on about Islam and their rights blah blah blah. It confuses me so much why people with these views live in the West."

An October tweet seemed to ridicule wearing the hijab. IT read: "Such a lame attempt you made to justify hijabs. Self indulgent to think anyone would give a toot that you showed your hair."

A Conservative party spokesperson today confirmed Ms Sunderland had been suspended following an investigation, but her now-private Twitter account showed she was canvassing up until Sunday.

The spokesperson did not confirm when she was suspended.

Lewisham Labour mayoral candidate Damien Egan called for Ms Sunderland's removal.

He said: "We welcome the removal of this candidate following her appalling remarks.

"Islamophobic comments like this are deeply divisive and they have no place in our community.

"Lewisham’s diversity and openness is our greatest strength."

Ms Sunderland has been approached for comment.