Labour and Conservative donors urge action following an investigation into Frank Hester’s remarks

Amid a burgeoning controversy, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak faces growing pressure to reassess the Conservative Party’s acceptance of a £10m donation from Frank Hester, following a police investigation into the businessman’s alleged racist comments. The West Yorkshire police launched the inquiry after Labour MP Diane Abbott reported comments made by Hester in 2019, which have sparked widespread condemnation and calls for the Tories to distance themselves from the donor.

Labour has explicitly demanded that Sunak “pay back the money,” a sentiment echoed by Conservative donor Dr. Maurizio Bragagni, who advised against accepting further funds from Hester during the investigation. Hester’s remarks, which included derogatory statements about Abbott and a suggestion of violence, have not only tainted his reputation but also cast a shadow over the Conservative Party’s financial associations.

Despite the uproar and ongoing police investigation, it appears the Conservative Party has already spent the contentious £10m, along with an additional £5m recently contributed by Hester, complicating demands for the funds’ return. The party’s expenditure ahead of expected losses in the upcoming local election campaign has been cited as a reason for the inability to refund the donation.

Anneliese Dodds, Labour Party chair, criticized Sunak for not taking immediate action upon the revelations, calling for a severance of ties with Hester, a formal apology to Abbott, and a concerted effort to eliminate extremist views within the Conservative Party. Meanwhile, donor Derek Calrow dismissed the investigation as a “waste of police time,” suggesting that Hester’s apology should suffice to close the matter.

The incident has reignited debates about political donations and the accountability of public figures and institutions in addressing racism. Hester, who became the Tories’ largest donor last year with a £10m contribution, attempted to apologize to Abbott directly, emphasizing his abhorrence of racism—a stance contradicted by his comments.

As the investigation, dubbed Operation Brassminster, proceeds, West Yorkshire police have called for anyone with relevant information to come forward. The case not only scrutinizes Hester’s remarks but also examines the broader implications for political funding and the ethical responsibilities of political parties in vetting and accepting donations.