Paul Tucker
Updated on: October 10, 2024 3:24 pm GMT
Conservatives Accept £5 Million Donation from Frank Hester Days Before Election Call
The Conservative Party has accepted a substantial £5 million donation from Frank Hester, a businessman embroiled in controversy, just days before the general election was called in May. This donation, which comes from Hester’s company, The Phoenix Partnership, has raised eyebrows, especially in light of recent comments he made about Labour MP Diane Abbott that have been widely condemned as racist. Hester’s total contributions to the Tory party now exceed £20 million, solidifying his position as the party’s largest donor.
Controversial Remarks Spark Outrage
Details of the Incident
The political landscape turned turbulent for Hester earlier this year when a report by The Guardian revealed that during a company meeting in 2019, he had made derogatory remarks about Abbott. Specifically, he reportedly stated that looking at her made him “want to hate all black women” and that “she should be shot.” These statements ignited a wave of public outrage and led to condemnation from political leaders, including then-Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
Ongoing Investigations
In March, the police launched Operation Brassminster to investigate Hester’s comments. While Hester later apologized for what he referred to as “rude” remarks, he insisted that his criticism of Abbott was not motivated by race or gender. His apology did little to mitigate the backlash, spurring calls from various political factions to return his significant financial contributions.
Party’s Funding Dilemma
Pressure to Return Donations
Despite the outcry and Sunak’s condemnation of Hester’s comments as “wrong” and “racist,” the Conservative Party opted not to return the earlier £10 million donation made by Hester last year. Party officials faced scrutiny over their decision, especially amid rising concerns regarding what such acceptance signifies about their stance on racism.
Financial Implications
The Conservative Party’s acceptance of Hester’s donations has significant ramifications. His donations since the beginning of 2023 account for approximately 58% of the total national spending limit of £35 million for each party in the general election. This reality raises difficult questions for the Conservatives should they consider returning these controversial funds.
Additional Recent Donations
Other Contributors
Alongside Hester’s contributions, the Tories also received a £1.25 million donation from Access Industries, associated with businessman Len Blavatnik. Hester’s past generosity to the party includes a further £5 million given in January and an additional £150,000 accepted in March, illustrating a consistent pattern of financial support leading up to a crucial electoral period.
Ruling Out Further Donations
Criticism of Hester continues to mount. Labour MP Diane Abbott recently voiced her disgust at Conservative leadership candidates for not ruling out accepting further money from Hester. She emphasized that the party’s acceptance of donations from someone who made vile comments about her indicates a lack of seriousness in opposing racism.
The Bigger Picture
Electoral Impact
The situation has stirred broader discussions regarding funding in British politics. The Conservative Party raised over £16 million, while the Labour Party garnered about £26 million in the lead-up to the election. the Electoral Commission reported a record £51.6 million in donations to all political parties during a three-month period leading up to the elections, more than doubling the amounts from the previous year.
Your Voice Matters
With public sentiment reacting to these developments, many are calling on the Conservative Party to reassess its stance on accepting donations from individuals with controversial backgrounds. Liberal Democrat deputy leader Daisy Cooper has urged the Tories to return all funds from Hester, characterizing his remarks as “just as inexcusable and disgusting now” as they were at the time of their utterance.
Conclusion
The acceptance of this latest donation from Frank Hester has left the Conservative Party in a precarious position as it approaches the general election. With fierce criticism over its financial ties to a controversial figure and ongoing investigations into his remarks, the party faces mounting pressure to clarify its stance on racism and the ethical implications of its funding sources. As the electoral landscape continues to evolve, the choices made in the coming days could shape public perception and future political strategies.
Keep an eye on the news for new updates on this story as it changes over the next few weeks.
