The Conservative Party is facing renewed criticism after it emerged that they accepted another significant donation from Frank Hester just days after he became embroiled in a racism controversy. Electoral Commission figures released today reveal that Hester made a further donation of £150,000 on March 8, which was accepted by the Conservatives on March 14.
This revelation comes shortly after reports of a previous £5 million donation from Hester in January, mere weeks before controversial comments he made about Labour MP Diane Abbott came to light. In 2019, Hester stated that Abbott made him “want to hate all black women” and suggested she “should be shot.” The comments resurfaced earlier this year, prompting a public backlash.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak condemned Hester’s remarks as “racist and wrong” on March 12, just two days before the Conservative Party accepted the additional £150,000 donation. Despite the criticism, a Conservative Party spokesperson defended the decision to accept the funds, stating, “As Mr. Hester has apologised and shown contrition we consider the matter resolved.”
Hester issued an apology in March, expressing deep regret for his comments. However, the acceptance of his donations has raised questions about the party’s stance on racism and the influence of wealthy donors in politics.
This situation adds to the mounting pressure on the Conservative Party to address issues of racism and discrimination within its ranks and among its supporters. Critics argue that accepting Hester’s donations undermines the party’s commitment to tackling racism and sends a conflicting message to the public.
As the debate continues, the party faces increasing calls to reassess its policies and practices concerning donor contributions and to take a firmer stance against racism. The developments surrounding Frank Hester’s donations will likely fuel further discussions on the role of money in politics and the ethical responsibilities of political parties.
For now, the Conservative Party’s acceptance of Hester’s contributions remains a contentious issue, with many watching closely to see how the party navigates this challenging period.
