Former Tory chairwoman criticizes the prime minister for presiding over a “terribly racist period” within the party

Baroness Sayeeda Warsi, a former chairwoman of the Conservative Party, has launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, accusing him of overseeing a “terribly racist period” within the party. Her comments come amid growing pressure on Sunak to return over £10 million in donations from businessman Frank Hester, following allegations of racist remarks made by Hester about Labour MP Diane Abbott.

The Demand for Accountability

Baroness Warsi emphasized the need for the Conservative Party to distance itself from donors with divisive views, stating that no election campaign should be built on such foundations. She warned that failing to address the issue could lead to a “toxic” election campaign, further tarnishing the party’s reputation.

A Call for a New Definition of Extremism

In light of recent developments, Communities Secretary Michael Gove announced a new definition of extremism, which Baroness Warsi criticized as a move towards authoritarianism. She expressed concerns that the new definition might undermine the very principles of democracy it seeks to protect.

The Financial and Ethical Dilemma

The controversy surrounding Frank Hester’s donations has put the Conservative Party in a difficult position. Hester has been reported to have donated an additional £5 million since January, on top of the already disclosed £10 million. Despite his apology for the remarks about Abbott, Sunak has been criticized for his response at PMQs, where he stated that Hester’s remorse should be accepted.

A Divisive Period in Tory History

Baroness Warsi’s comments reflect a growing sentiment within the Conservative Party about the need to address issues of racism and division. As the party navigates this challenging period, the actions taken by its leadership will be closely scrutinized, both by its members and the public at large.