Major Tory donor apologises to Diane Abbott over 'reprehensible' and 'revolting' comments

Kemi Badenoch reacts to Tory donor racism row

Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch has spoken out about the Tory donor racism row, describing the media's "relentless focus" on the controversy as "trivial." Frank Hester, one of the Conservative Party's top donors, allegedly said left-wing MP Diane Abbott "should be shot" at a private meeting in 2019. "I think this belief that we should not be able to move on and accept when someone has made an apology for historical comments and treat them as if they are contemporary is a problem," she added. Report by Kennedyl. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Labour urge PM to ‘grow a backbone’ and pay back Hester cash

Labour’s Jonathan Ashworth urges Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to "grow a backbone" and pay back the £10 million donated by Frank Hester after the businessman reportedly made racist comments about black MP Diane Abbott. Report by Blairm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Minister refuses to say whether Tories received extra £5m

Transport Secretary Mark Harper declines to say whether Frank Hester has donated an extra five million pounds to the Conservative Party, refusing to comment on "hypothetical" questions. Mr Hester allegedly said in 2019 that Diane Abbott, Britain's longest-serving black MP, made him "want to hate all black women" and that she "should be shot". Reports emerged this week that Mr Hester may have offered £5 million more, which has not yet been published by the Electoral Commission. Report by Blairm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Abbott: We have to stand up for young black people

Jeremy Corbyn joined the rally in support of Diane Abbott. Former Labour leader called the abuse that Abbott receives 'abominable, almost unbelievable'. Diane Abbott thanked residents of Hackney for 'decades of support' and urged them to ''make sure generations of young black people don't have to suffer the racism that we had to suffer''. Report by Gluszczykm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

'I think Labour should welcome Abbott back into the party'

A group of voters in Diane Abbott's constituency of Hackney North and Stoke Newington appear to agree she should have the Labour whip reinstated. Abbott was suspended from the party after she wrote a letter that said Jewish people experience prejudice, not racism. But since then, Conservative Party donor Frank Hester allegedly aimed racist and misogynist remarks towards the independent MP, which has sparked a debate about whether she should be welcomed back into the Labour party in a show of solidarity. Report by Brooksl. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Wes Streeting says Dan Poulter's defection 'speaks volumes'

The shadow health secretary says Dan Poulter's defection to Labour "speaks volumes." Dr Dan Poulter, a former Conservative MP, announced he would be taking the Labour whip until the next election as the Conservative party no longer prioritised the NHS. Report by Kennedyl. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Keir Starmer comforts emotional veteran during cafe visit

Sir Keir Starmer comforted an army veteran who became emotional when he explained how he set up a charity after the suicide of a fellow ex-serviceman. Dan Smith explained how he started the Darlington Veterans’ Community, a charity which helps local ex-servicemen suffering with the cost-of-living crisis, after his friend committed suicide during the pandemic. He became visibly emotional with the Labour leader, who reassured him to take his time. Sir Keir was joined in Darlington by Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves, during a visit to businesses ahead of next week's local elections. Report by Kennedyl. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn