Tory donor Frank Hester’s comments targeting Diane Abbott spark outcry, highlighting pressing concerns of racism, misogyny, and political accountability in political circles. Here’s the full story.
So Wrong, So Quickly
The Conservative Party cannot catch a break. From ongoing accusations of Islamophobia to disgraced MPs jumping ship to join with their bitter rivals in Reform UK, there doesn’t seem to be a time in the history of current Prime Minister Rishi Sunak where so much has gone so wrong, so quickly.
Racist Remarks
The latest news then will be of no comfort to those in the Conservative Party ranks. Frank Hester, a prominent Conservative party donor and founder of a healthcare technology firm, has found himself under intense scrutiny following revelations, first made in the Guardian, of profoundly racist remarks he made in a meeting.
Diane Abbot
Hester’s comments, mainly targeting Diane Abbot, Britain’s longest-serving black MP, have ignited a debate over the responsibilities of influential figures in political funding and the apparent deep-seated issues of racism within the country’s current governing party.
“I Think She Should Be Shot”
According to the Guardian, during a meeting in 2019, Hester reportedly expressed his deep disdain towards Diane Abbott, stating, “It’s like trying not to be racist but you see Diane Abbott on the TV, and you’re just like I hate, you just want to hate all black women because she’s there, and I don’t hate all black women at all, but I think she should be shot.”
Serious Questions
These remarks have raised serious questions and concerns about racism and misogyny at the meetings of political and corporate circles.
Swift Condemnation
The exposure of Hester’s comments prompted swift condemnation from various sections of British public life.
“Utterly Revolting”
Shadow Health Secretary Wes Streeting denounced the remarks, stating, “This is utterly revolting, racist, and inciteful language. It has no place in our politics and public life.”
Return the Money
Labour and the Liberal Democrats echoed calls for the Conservative party to return Hester’s £10 million donations.
“Nothing To Do With Her Gender”
In response to the allegations, Hester released a statement through his company, the Phoenix Partnership (TPP), stating that he “accepts that he was rude about Diane Abbott in a private meeting several years ago but his criticism had nothing to do with her gender nor color of skin.”
“Abhors Racism”
The statement went on to say, “The Guardian is right when it quotes Frank saying he abhors racism, not least because he experienced it as the child of Irish immigrants in the 1970s.”
“Deeply Sorry”
Hester then clarified that he had made attempts “to try to apologize directly (to Abbot) for the hurt he has caused her” and that he was “deeply sorry” for his statement.
Further Insights
Beyond the controversy surrounding Hester’s comments, further insights into the workplace culture at his company, TPP, have emerged in the Guardian.
Private Boarding School
Reports suggest a stringent environment characterized by exacting rules and expectations, including directives on communication styles and conduct during meetings reminiscent of a private boarding school.
£400 Million
TPP also has close ties with those in government, having received over £400 million in payments from the NHS and various government entities since 2016, mainly for managing over 60 million medical records.
£135 Million
Also, in less than four years, it has garnered profits totaling £135 million from contracts with the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC).
Close Relationship
Hester’s close relationship with the Conservative Party and his significant financial contributions have amplified the political ramifications of his actions.
“He Was Rude”
No doubt wishing that a simple apology would be sufficient to make the outcry dissipate somewhat, a spokesperson for the Conservative party stated, “Mr Hester has made clear that while he was rude, his criticism had nothing to do with her gender nor the color of her skin. He has since apologized.”
“Less Safe”
As the target of Hester’s incendiary remarks, Diane Abbot, Shadow Home Secretary under Jeremy Corbyn, expressed feeling “upset” and “less safe” following the revelations, which highlights the personal toll of such racially charged rhetoric.
Investigation Pending
Following her stint as shadow Home Secretary, last year Abbot faced suspension as a Labour MP after suggesting that Irish, Jewish, and Traveler individuals had not experienced racism throughout their lives. She is currently sitting as an independent as she awaits the outcome of an investigation.
Sobering Reminder
The controversy surrounding Frank Hester’s remarks serves as a sobering reminder of the enduring prevalence of racism and misogyny in public discourse.
Bad Week
The remarks also come at a bad time for the Conservative Party, already reeling from a week in which Lee Anderson has refused to apologize for racist remarks made about another Labour politician, London Mayor Sadiq Khan.
Unclear Outcome
While the outcome of this latest scandal is unclear, one thing is: the words of this particular Tory donor will reverberate around Westminster for some time to come.
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The post Public Outcry: Tory Donor Frank Hester Faces Fury Over Remarks About Diane Abbott first appeared on Edge Media.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Kings Davis.
Grant Gallacher is a seasoned writer with expertise in politics and impactful daily news. His work, deeply rooted in addressing issues that resonate with a wide audience, showcases an unwavering commitment to bringing forth the stories that matter. He is also known for satirical writing and stand up comedy.