Pressure Mounts on Prime Minister Rishi Sunak Over Handling of Crisis
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is facing increasing pressure to enhance his crisis management tactics following the recent controversy involving Frank Hester, a major Conservative party donor. The incident has highlighted Downing Street’s struggles in addressing sensitive issues effectively.
Background of the Controversy
Frank Hester made derogatory remarks about Diane Abbott, the UK’s longest-serving black MP, during a meeting five years ago. Initially, Downing Street downplayed the comments as “unacceptable” rather than explicitly racist, sparking criticism from within the Conservative party.
Challenges Faced by Downing Street
The delayed response from senior Tories and the initial reluctance to condemn the racist nature of Hester’s comments have fueled frustration among Conservative figures. The inability to swiftly address such crises has overshadowed the government’s positive messages and policy initiatives.
Criticism from Within the Conservative Party
Albie Amankona, chief executive of Conservatives Against Racism, expressed disappointment in the party’s communication strategy regarding racial incidents. He highlighted the need for a more decisive and unequivocal stance against racism.
- Conservative MPs fear that the controversy has diverted attention from important issues such as the economy and efforts to combat extremism.
- The recurring challenges in handling damaging stories have raised concerns about the overall performance of Sunak’s administration.
Call for Action
There are growing calls for Prime Minister Sunak to address the situation promptly and consider returning the substantial donation made by Hester to the Tory party. The Scottish Conservatives have urged a thorough review of the funds received from Hester, emphasizing the need to take a stand against racism.
Response from Chancellor Hunt
Chancellor Hunt, while acknowledging the severity of Hester’s comments, has indicated reluctance to cancel the donation based on past remarks. The ongoing debate underscores the challenges faced by the government in managing sensitive issues effectively.
