Frank Hester, a computer programmer and entrepreneur, has generated significant wealth through his software company, The Phoenix Partnership (TPP), securing over £400 million in public sector contracts, predominantly with the NHS and prison services. Despite maintaining a low profile, Hester’s contributions to the UK’s healthcare infrastructure have been notable, with his software, SystmOne, widely implemented in GP surgeries across England. Recognized for his contributions with an OBE for services to healthcare in 2015, Hester has also been an active supporter of the Conservative Party, donating £10 million to the party.

However, Hester has recently come under scrutiny for making offensive remarks about former Labour MP Diane Abbott, including stating that seeing her on TV makes one “want to hate all black women” and suggesting that “she should be shot.” These comments, made in 2019, have drawn widespread condemnation, with the Labour Party and others calling for the Conservative Party to return his donations. Hester has issued an apology for his remarks, although he insists that his comments were taken out of context.

TPP, founded by Hester, is known for its unusual and strict employee code of conduct, which includes rules against yawning and leaving fingerprints on doors, alongside more generous staff perks such as free bar nights and exotic holidays. These policies have led to high turnover rates, with over 40% of employees leaving in 2020, according to former staff members. Despite these contentious workplace policies, TPP has defended its practices as necessary for maintaining high standards of operation.

The incident involving Hester’s comments and the subsequent backlash highlights ongoing issues regarding diversity, tolerance, and the influence of political donations in the UK. Calls for the Conservative Party to renounce Hester’s donation underscore the broader debate about accountability and ethics in political funding.