Frank Hester: PM under pressure over 'new £5m' from donor accused of racism
Rishi Sunak faces new scrutiny over connections with Frank Hester, a party donor implicated in a racism controversy, following claims that the Conservative Party received an unreported £5 million from him.
The Tories haven't refuted Tortoise Media's allegations concerning the extra funds from Hester, which are expected to be officially reported in June.
Opposition parties Labour and Liberal Democrats have called for the return of the money.
Hester, according to the Electoral Commission, has contributed over £10 million to the Conservatives in the previous year, including providing Sunak with a £16,000 helicopter ride.
However, Tortoise Media recently revealed another £5 million donation from Hester that hasn't been declared yet, potentially bringing his total contributions to more than £15 million.
Tortoise Media's political editor, Cat Neilan, criticized the delay in disclosing donations in the digital era, noting that the amount from Hester nearly matches the Tories' 2019 election spending of £16 million.
After offensive remarks about MP Diane Abbott were attributed to him, Hester faced backlash, later apologizing and stating that his comment wasn't related to her race or gender.
Despite criticizing the remarks as racist, Prime Minister Sunak believes Hester's apology should be accepted and has refused demands to return Hester's donations.
The Conservative response to BBC's inquiry about the potential additional donation from Hester was that all declarable donations would be published as per the norm.
Labour Party chair Anneliese Dodds declared there's no justification for the party to accept more money from Hester, urging Sunak to refund every penny and sever ties with Hester while offering an unequivocal apology to Abbott.
The Liberal Democrats indicated that such a donation would exacerbate the scandal, with MP Wendy Chamberlain asserting that individuals with Hester's attitudes should be distanced from politics and that large financial contributions shouldn't excuse unacceptable behavior.
Opposition parties Labour and Liberal Democrats have called for the return of the money.
Hester, according to the Electoral Commission, has contributed over £10 million to the Conservatives in the previous year, including providing Sunak with a £16,000 helicopter ride.
However, Tortoise Media recently revealed another £5 million donation from Hester that hasn't been declared yet, potentially bringing his total contributions to more than £15 million.
Tortoise Media's political editor, Cat Neilan, criticized the delay in disclosing donations in the digital era, noting that the amount from Hester nearly matches the Tories' 2019 election spending of £16 million.
After offensive remarks about MP Diane Abbott were attributed to him, Hester faced backlash, later apologizing and stating that his comment wasn't related to her race or gender.
Despite criticizing the remarks as racist, Prime Minister Sunak believes Hester's apology should be accepted and has refused demands to return Hester's donations.
The Conservative response to BBC's inquiry about the potential additional donation from Hester was that all declarable donations would be published as per the norm.
Labour Party chair Anneliese Dodds declared there's no justification for the party to accept more money from Hester, urging Sunak to refund every penny and sever ties with Hester while offering an unequivocal apology to Abbott.
The Liberal Democrats indicated that such a donation would exacerbate the scandal, with MP Wendy Chamberlain asserting that individuals with Hester's attitudes should be distanced from politics and that large financial contributions shouldn't excuse unacceptable behavior.
