# Frank Hester

# Frank Hester — Conservative's Biggest Individual Donor

**Full name:** Frank Hester OBE
**Approx total donated (2024-2026):** £10-15 million
**Source of wealth:** Founder and CEO of The Phoenix Partnership (TPP) — Leeds-based healthcare software company that provides the SystmOne electronic patient record system used widely across the NHS.
**Why they donate:** Publicly supports Conservative economic policy and tax cuts. Has expressed admiration for "business-friendly" governance. Also advocates for NHS technology reform, aligning with Tory digital-health plans.
**Controversies:** In March 2024, The Guardian reported Hester allegedly made highly offensive comments about Diane Abbott MP — reportedly saying she "makes you want to hate all black women" and that she "should be shot." Hester later apologised, saying the remarks were "rude" but not racist. Labour called for return of donations. The Tories initially defended him, then distanced themselves. The scandal dominated headlines for weeks and became a major political issue.

## Notes

- The largest single donor to the Conservative Party in the 2024 election cycle
- His NHS software company has significant government contracts — raising conflict of interest questions
- The Abbott remarks scandal was a key Labour attack line in early 2024