Scottish Tory Leader Calls for Review of Controversial Donations Amid Racist Remarks Scandal

Amid escalating scrutiny over donations from Frank Hester, marred by racist and misogynistic comments, the Scottish Tory leader, Douglas Ross, has called for a comprehensive review. This follows reports of an additional £5m contribution made by Hester to the Conservatives, bringing his total donations in less than a year to a staggering £15m.

The controversial remarks made by Hester, including statements deemed racist and misogynistic, have prompted growing unease within the party. Hester, whose company, the Phoenix Partnership, has secured lucrative NHS and prison contracts, came under fire for derogatory comments directed at Diane Abbott, the UK’s longest-serving black MP.

Speculation surrounding the recent £5m donation by Hester, not officially denied by the Conservative party or Downing Street, points to a substantial financial backing far surpassing the party’s 2019 general election campaign expenditure. The upcoming Electoral Commission update is expected to confirm this substantial contribution.

While some voices within the party, including Baroness Sayeeda Warsi, have urged for the return of Hester’s donations, there are doubts about whether the funds will be relinquished, given the substantial sum already spent. Rishi Sunak, facing mounting pressure, is under scrutiny for accepting such sizeable contributions amidst allegations of extremism and hate in politics.

Opposition parties, notably Labour and the Liberal Democrats, have been vocal in their demand for the Conservatives to disassociate from Hester’s tainted funds. The Labour party chair, Anneliese Dodds, emphasized the need for a full repayment of the donation, denouncing Hester’s remarks as completely unacceptable.

As the controversy unfolds, Unlock Democracy has raised concerns over the potential conflict of interest when donors double as government contractors. The intricate web of political finances and public contracts continues to raise ethical questions within the Conservative party and beyond.