Diane Abbott, the UK’s first black female MP, has slammed both the Conservative and Labour parties for their approach to dealing with racism, highlighting the controversy surrounding Tory donor Frank Hester’s remarks and calling for improved responses from political leadership.
Diane Abbott, the UK’s first black female MP, has openly criticized both the Conservative and Labour parties for their handling of racism, particularly highlighting her own experiences and the controversies surrounding Tory donor Frank Hester’s derogatory remarks towards her. In statements made to The Independent, Abbott described Hester’s comments as “outrageously racist and sexist” and rebuked the leadership of both parties, including Labour’s Keir Starmer, for their response to the issue.
This dispute comes in the context of significant financial contributions to the Conservative Party, as reported by the Electoral Commission. Notable donations include a £10 million bequest from Lord John Sainsbury and £5 million each from Frank Hester and Mohamed Mansour, among others, since January 2023. The influx of large sums has sparked discussions about the influence of wealthy donors in UK politics.
The situation intensified with calls from Scottish Labour for the Conservatives to ensure donations from Hester would not be used in Scotland, citing the inappropriateness of using funds linked to racism. The UK Conservatives, nevertheless, have indicated they do not plan to return the donations, despite the backlash.
Amid this controversy, Abbott has sought reinstatement as a member of the Labour Party following her suspension over comments about racism. Her request arose after confronting Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and requesting support from Keir Starmer, who has defended the party’s disciplinary process. Abbott’s action points to ongoing tensions within the Labour Party and broader concerns over racism in UK politics.
The debate over party funding and handling of racism is set against a backdrop of challenges facing Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, including pressures related to his party’s funding, internal identity struggles, and broader political strategies amidst calls for a potential autumn general election. These issues underscore the complexities of addressing racism, sexism, and ethics in political financing within the UK’s current political climate.
