Downing Street and Conservative Party members have labelled remarks made by donor Frank Hester about Diane Abbott as ‘racist and wrong’, sparking a wider debate on racism within UK politics.
Downing Street has condemned remarks made by Conservative Party donor Frank Hester about Diane Abbott, the UK’s longest-serving black Member of Parliament (MP), as “racist and wrong”. The controversy emerged after Hester, who has donated £10 million to the Conservative Party, was reported to have made derogatory remarks about Abbott that incited widespread condemnation across the political spectrum.
The comments, which included a statement expressing animosity towards all black women and an extreme suggestion regarding Abbott’s well-being, were quickly rebuked by officials from Downing Street and members of the Conservative Party. Cabinet Minister Kemi Badenoch was among those labelling the remarks as racist, while others within the party suggested accepting Hester’s apology and moving forward.
The situation has sparked a debate on racism within the party, with the Metropolitan Police being contacted over the remarks, and Labour and Liberal Democrats urging the Conservative Party to return Hester’s donations. Diane Abbott described the comments as alarming and indicative of the broader dangers faced by MPs, particularly highlighting recent violent incidents against political figures.
Despite an apology from Hester and a recognition of the need to combat racism, the incident continues to draw criticism towards the Conservative Party for its association with such views. Senior party members, including Health Minister Maria Caulfield and Kwasi Kwarteng, have denounced the comments, and there have been calls for increased accountability and actions against racial discrimination within the party.
The episode underscores ongoing issues of racism in UK politics and the consequent implications for public discourse and party reputations.
