Frank Hester’s ‘racist comments’ about Diane Abbott investigated by police
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Police are investigating “racist comments” allegedly made by Frank Hester, the Tory party donor, about Diane Abbott.
West Yorkshire Police said it was working to establish whether a crime had been committed following reports that Mr Hester said the MP made him “want to hate all black women” and that she “should be shot” at a meeting in 2019.
The force said the Metropolitan Police were contacted about the allegations, first reported by The Guardian, on March 11. The case has now been passed to West Yorkshire because it concerns a meeting in Horsforth, Leeds.
In a statement, West Yorkshire Police said: “We are investigating racist comments which were allegedly made at a meeting in Leeds in 2019.”
It added: “We recognise the strong reaction to these allegations and appreciate everyone who has contacted us since the article was published.
“As we continue our inquiry, we are keen to hear from anyone who could directly assist our investigation.”
It was reported last week that Ms Abbott had personally filed a complaint about the alleged remarks with the Met’s parliamentary liaison and investigations team.
West Yorkshire Police did not specify who reported the allegations to the authorities.
Mr Hester has apologised for making “rude” comments about the MP, but claimed they had “nothing to do with her gender nor colour of skin”.
Some questioned the decision to investigate, with Nigel Farage, the former Ukip leader, arguing the matter “should be left where it is” because the comments were allegedly made in private.
Mr Farage told The Telegraph that the alleged remarks “may be objectionable” but they were “made in private”, adding: “It should be left where it is.”
Brendan Clarke-Smith, the former deputy Tory chairman, said: “The alleged comment was wrong and there’s been an acknowledgement of that and an apology, which was the right thing to do. That’s it as far as I’m concerned.
“I think too much time has been wasted on this issue and people in Westminster have far more important things to be debating. Likewise, our police have a tough enough job as it is without having their time wasted with frivolous complaints.”
The racism row has led to calls for the Tories to return £10 million in funds from Mr Hester – their biggest donor.
Sir Keir Starmer has also been urged to return the whip to Ms Abbott, who has sat as an independent since being suspended from the parliamentary party last year for suggesting that Jewish people did not suffer racism “all their lives”.
Ms Abbott and Mr Hester have been approached for comment.
