Conservatives facing pressure to distance themselves from Frank Hester amid controversy

Labour has called on Chancellor Rishi Sunak to return a £10 million donation from the Conservative Party’s largest-ever donor, Frank Hester, after revelations surfaced about Hester’s offensive comments regarding Labour MP Diane Abbott.

In a letter to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Labour Chair Anneliese Dodds demanded the return of the £10 million donation, as well as the value of a helicopter ride provided to Sunak by Hester. Dodds emphasized that accepting and using Hester’s contributions would be tantamount to condoning his deeply disturbing remarks.

Hester, who has given generously to the Tories, allegedly made derogatory comments about Diane Abbott during a private meeting in 2019, suggesting that looking at her made one “want to hate all black women” and insinuating that she “should be shot.”

While Hester’s lawyers deny the accuracy of these remarks, claiming they do not represent Hester’s true character, Labour remains steadfast in its call for accountability. Dodds asserted that anything less than returning the money would tarnish the Conservative Party’s reputation.

The controversy has drawn condemnation from across the political spectrum, with Labour MP Wes Streeting denouncing Hester’s language as “utterly revolting, racist, and inciteful,” while some Conservatives have also criticized the remarks as offensive and unacceptable.

Former Conservative minister Alistair Burt joined the chorus of disapproval, urging the Conservative Party to sever ties with Hester and return his donations. Similarly, the Liberal Democrats called for assurances from Sunak that Hester would not be considered for a peerage and insisted on the return of all donations.

Hester, who gave £5 million to the Tories in May 2023 and pledged an additional £5 million this month, has since apologized for his comments, stating that they were made in a private meeting several years ago and do not reflect his true beliefs.

The Conservatives have defended their stance, citing Hester’s apology and clarification that his remarks were not motivated by gender or race. However, pressure continues to mount on the party to take decisive action in response to Hester’s offensive remarks.