Dr Krish Kandiah, who caused so much controversy on Wednesday's Today programme, runs a refugee resettlement charity.

He calls himself a social entrepreneur, broadcaster and speaker and says he is a 'regular adviser' to the Government.

His Sanctuary Foundation describes itself as a charity supporting refugees to 'find welcome, work and worthwhile housing in the UK'.

The Charity Commission says it raised £122,000 last year while he draws a wage of up to £70,000 from the organisation.

The author has not been shy to wade into other controversies, accusing blonde US actress Sydney Sweeney of 'flirting with the idea of eugenics' over a clothing advert that said she had 'great jeans'. 

In 2017, he wrote in the Church Times: 'I'm not saying that everyone who voted to leave [the EU] is racist, but I do believe many have seen Brexit as an excuse to express negative opinions about immigrants.'

In 2014, he wrote in Christian Today that he feared he could have been radicalised like homegrown British jihadist Ibrahim Kamara if he hadn't found Jesus.

Dr Kandiah, who is married with three children and also fosters children, grew up in Brighton and is a committed Christian.

He has not commented on yesterday's furore.