Hackney residents come out in solidarity with Diane Abbott after alleged racist remarks by Tory donor

The British Medical Association has called on Tory donor Frank Hester to resign from his health tech firm TPP, over his alleged comments that the MP Diane Abbott made him “want to hate all black women” and “should be shot”.

The Conservatives are under new pressure after reports Mr Hester has donated another five million pounds – which has not been denied by the party – but doesn’t need to be officially declared until June. But the racism row is also raising difficult questions for Labour.