A Cabinet minister has refused to confirm whether the Conservatives have taken another £5 million donation from Frank Hester, the businessman accused of making racist remarks about MP Diane Abbott.
Mark Harper also declined to comment on “hypotheticals” when pressed repeatedly on whether the party will accept more cash from the top donor.
Reports emerged this week that Mr Hester may have offered £5 million more, which has not yet been published by the Electoral Commission.
Sky News presenter Trevor Phillips asked Mr Harper today (17 March): “Has the Conservative Party received another £5m from Frank Hester?
The transport secretary replied: “I’m not involved in donations.”
What are the rules on accepting donations? Owl asks Sir Humphrey:
Under the PPRA rules political parties must declare all donations over £500.
Under these rules anything less than £500 is not a donation for the purpose of declaration.
So Sir Humphrey, what constitutes a “donation”?
A donation is money, goods or services given to a party without charge or on non-commercial terms, with a value of over £500.
Sir Humphrey, are there any restrictions on receiving donations?
Donations have to be permissible donations and from an identifiable source, impermissible donations must be returned within 30 days.
Sir Humphrey, what is a permissible source? Can any old rogue or business make a donation?
A permissible source includes:
- an individual registered on a UK electoral register, including overseas electors and those leaving bequests
- a UK-registered company which is incorporated in the UK and carries on business in the UK
And PPRA?
Sir Humphrey, will it keep us squeaky clean if we say: “All our donations are declared in the proper way”?
Undoubtedly!
East Devon Watch 