Minister denies donors Abbott remarks race-based

A top Tory donors alleged comments that Diane Abbott made him "want to hate all black women" were not "race-based", a senior minister has said.

Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride said Frank Hesters alleged comments "were clearly wrong" but argued people should "move on".

Mr Hester, who gave the Conservatives £10m last year, has apologised for making "rude" comments about Ms Abbott.

But he said his remarks "had nothing to do with her gender nor colour of skin".

The Guardian reports Mr Hester made remarks about Ms Abbott while criticising a female executive at another organisation during a meeting at his companys headquarters in 2019.

The newspaper reported that he went on to say: "Its like trying not to be racist but you see Diane Abbott on the TV, and youre just like I hate, you just want to hate all black women because shes there, and I dont hate all black women at all, but I think she should be shot.

"[The executive] and Diane Abbott need to be shot."

At the time, Ms Abbott - who is currently suspended as a Labour MP - was shadow home secretary under former leader Jeremy Corbyn.

The BBC has not heard a recording, or been able to independently verify the alleged remarks.

Mr Hesters spokesperson said that his statement is not a confirmation of the alleged quotes in The Guardian.

Speaking to broadcasters, Mr Stride said: "I think the critical point here is I dont think what he was saying was a gender-based or a race-based comment, but it was clearly inappropriate.

"He has apologised and I think we need to move on from that."

A statement issued via TPP - the company Mr Hester founded - said he "accepts that he was rude about Diane Abbot in a private meeting several years ago but his criticism had nothing to do with her gender nor colour of skin".

It added: "The Guardian is right when it quotes Frank saying he abhors racism, not least because he experienced it as the child of Irish immigrants in the 1970s.

"He rang Diane Abbott twice today to try to apologise directly for the hurt he has caused her, and is deeply sorry for his remarks.

"He wishes to make it clear that he regards racism as a poison which has no place in public life."

Mr Stride is the second Tory minister to comment on Mr Hesters remarks.

Energy Minister Graham Stuart said Mr Hesters comments were "clearly wrong" but warned against "cancelling anyone who has ever said anything".

When asked on BBC Radio 4s Today programme if the Conservatives should hand back Mr Hesters donations, Mr Stuart said he was not sure.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer told ITVs Lorraine programme: "The comments about Diane Abbott are just abhorrent.

"And Diane has been a trailblazer, she has paved the way for others, shes probably faced more abuse than any other politician over the years on a sustained basis.

"And Im sorry, this apology this morning that is pretending that what was said wasnt racist or anything to do with the fact shes a woman, I dont buy that Im afraid, and I think that its time the Tory Party called it out and returned the money."

The Liberal Democrats said Mr Stuarts "refusal to call out these racist comments was simply jaw-dropping".

Wendy Chamberlain, Lib Dem spokesperson, called the Tories refusal to return Mr Hesters donations "inexcusable".

"Rishi Sunak can bunker down and hide in Downing Street as long as he wants but every day he doesnt return this money is another damning blow to the Conservative Partys credibility," she added.