Frank Hester, a prominent donor to the Conservative Party, has found himself at the center of a controversy involving comments he made about Labour MP Diane Abbott. Hester, who contributed £10 million to the Tories, is reported to have made remarks that Diane Abbott and others found to be offensive and racially charged. Despite initially suggesting that differences should be discussed in a “playful” manner without causing offense, Hester’s comments, including a reference to Abbott being shot and expressing a desire to “hate all black women” because of her, have sparked significant backlash.

Abbott, who is Britain’s longest-serving black MP, described Hester’s comments as “frightening” and has reported the incident to the police. Labour leader Keir Starmer and Labour Party Chair Anneliese Dodds have condemned Hester’s remarks as “abhorrent,” “racist,” and “sexist,” with Starmer urging the Conservative Party to return Hester’s donations. In a shift, Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch, the highest-ranking minister to address the issue directly, denounced the remarks as “racist” but suggested there was “space for forgiveness.”

Hester has since issued an apology, claiming his criticism was not related to Abbott’s gender or skin color. His company echoed this sentiment, highlighting his abhorrence of racism, influenced by his own experiences as an Irish immigrant. Despite the apology, there have been calls from both Labour and the Liberal Democrats for the Conservatives to refund Hester’s donation.

The incident has elevated a debate on race, gender, and politics within the UK, with calls for more respectful dialogue and accountability. Abbott, a pivotal figure known for her criticism of New Labour reforms and her vocal presence in UK politics, has previously faced and apologized for controversial comments, underscoring the complexities of navigating political discourse in a racially and culturally diverse society.