The Conservative Party is facing pressure to address controversial donations from Frank Hester, a donor embroiled in a race row after making derogatory comments about veteran MP Diane Abbott.
Hester, a technology tycoon, apologized for his remarks, which Prime Minister Rishi Sunak deemed racist and inappropriate.
However, calls for the return or forfeiture of Hester’s donations have intensified, with some suggesting that the funds should be redirected to anti-racism charities.
Labour MP Zarah Sultana has proposed that the Conservative Party should donate the controversial funds, estimated to be at least £10 million, to charities chosen by Diane Abbott, including those focused on combating racism.
Sultana, a close friend of Abbott, emphasized Abbott’s significant contributions to Parliament and advocated for her reinstatement to the Labour Party, from which she was suspended in 2023 following controversial remarks about racism.
During a heated Prime Minister’s Questions session, Rishi Sunak faced requests to return Hester’s donations but refused to do so. While some Conservative MPs like Eddie Hughes suggested forgiveness for Hester’s remarks, others continued to press for accountability and restitution.
Meanwhile, concerns were raised about protecting Diane Abbott from the backlash she has faced, including a “torrent of abuse.” Labour leader Keir Starmer reportedly discussed restoring Abbott’s party whip, indicating a potential reconsideration of her status within the party.
The episode has highlighted broader issues around racism, accountability, and political donations, prompting calls for transparency, responsibility, and action from both political leaders and parties.
