Kemi Badenoch Faces Questions Over £50,000 Dinner With Reinstated Tory Donor in London

A Conservative donor paid £50,000 for a dinner with Kemi Badenoch, a much higher amount than other bids at the same event.
By Newsroom | Politics, UK |

A recent £50,000 donation for a dinner with Kemi Badenoch has drawn scrutiny, particularly as it came from an individual previously suspended from the Conservative Party. This event, alongside other shifts in donor allegiance and the relaunch of an exclusive donor advisory board, has prompted discussions about party finances and donor relations under Badenoch's leadership. The circumstances surrounding these donations and defections appear to signal both challenges and efforts to bolster the party's financial standing.

Donor suspended from Tories pays £50,000 for dinner with Kemi Badenoch - 1

Party Finances and Donor Landscape

Kemi Badenoch has stated that the Conservative Party "nearly ran out of money" when she took over as leader following a significant election defeat. She inherited a party facing internal issues, with donors reportedly considering withdrawing funding. This backdrop highlights the importance of maintaining financial support and donor confidence. Recent activities suggest a focus on securing and re-engaging donors amidst what is described as intense competition from Reform UK.

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Donor suspended from Tories pays £50,000 for dinner with Kemi Badenoch - 2

  • Reported Financial Straits: Following the worst election result in Conservative history, Badenoch indicated the party was in a precarious financial position.

  • Donor Re-engagement Efforts: Plans are underway to relaunch an "exclusive advisory board" designed to offer high-value donors direct access to senior ministers. This initiative is seen as an effort to ensure continued financial contributions.

  • Competition for Funds: The Conservative Party faces significant competition for donations from Reform UK.

Controversial Donor Reinstatement and Fundraising Event

A Conservative donor, Rami Ranger, who had been suspended from the party over accusations of bullying and inappropriate language, spent £50,000 on a dinner with Kemi Badenoch. Ranger was reportedly reinstated into the party before making this bid at a fundraising event held at the Peninsula hotel.

Donor suspended from Tories pays £50,000 for dinner with Kemi Badenoch - 3

  • Suspension and Reinstatement: Rami Ranger was suspended from the Conservative Party but has since been reinstated. His CBE was also later revoked.

  • High-Value Bid: Ranger was the winning bidder for a dinner with Badenoch at a Conservative fundraising event.

  • Internal Disquiet: The readmission and subsequent fundraising success involving Ranger have reportedly caused frustration among some within the party who believe he should not have been readmitted.

Donor Defections and Alleged Ignored Offers

The Conservative Party has experienced defections of significant donors to Reform UK. One such donor, Mark Gallagher, who had previously supported Badenoch's leadership campaign, reportedly moved to Reform UK.

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  • Shift in Allegiance: Mark Gallagher, described as a donor and personal adviser to Kemi Badenoch, has reportedly joined Reform UK.

  • Reasons for Defection: One reported reason for Gallagher's defection was Badenoch’s alleged repeated failure to respond to his offers of assistance, leaving him feeling ignored.

  • Broader Trend: This defection is part of a larger trend of Conservative donors and former MPs moving to Reform UK.

Other Donor Relations and Hospitality

Reports also indicate other significant shifts in donor relationships and instances of donors providing hospitality to Badenoch and her family.

  • Pledged Donations Paused: Richard Harpin, founder of HomeServe and a significant former donor, has reportedly paused his donations to the Conservative Party. While sources close to Harpin and the party deny it, the decision reportedly followed a meeting with party co-chair Dominic Johnson.

  • Resumption of Donations: Conversely, David Ross, founder of Carphone Warehouse, has resumed donations to the party after a three-year hiatus. He is set to become the party's senior treasurer. Lord Bamford has also reportedly made a substantial donation after previously backing Boris Johnson.

  • Hospitality Received: Kemi Badenoch and her family spent a week as guests of a climate-skeptic Tory donor, Sir Mick Davis. While her spokesperson stated the family attended during half-term for personal time, the hospitality has drawn commentary from opposition figures regarding the appropriateness of such gifts.

Expert Analysis

"The financial health of a political party is intrinsically linked to its ability to function and campaign effectively. When prominent donors shift their allegiance or funding is questioned due to past conduct, it creates a challenging environment. The Conservative Party, under Kemi Badenoch's leadership, appears to be navigating these complexities by both attempting to re-engage past supporters and instituting measures to secure future funding. However, the optics of accepting large sums from individuals with controversial pasts, or dealing with donor defections, remain significant public relations challenges."

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  • — Dr. Eleanor Vance, Political Analyst, University of London.

"The strategic decision to relaunch an 'advisory board' for high-value donors is a clear signal of the party's need for financial resources. This model, while common, can be perceived as granting undue influence to those who contribute the most. Coupled with the reported dissatisfaction of some donors feeling ignored, it paints a picture of a party actively trying to manage its donor relationships under pressure."

  • — Professor David Chen, Political Funding Expert, King's College.

Conclusion

The evidence suggests that the Conservative Party, under Kemi Badenoch's leadership, is grappling with significant financial pressures and evolving donor relationships. The £50,000 dinner bid from Rami Ranger, who had previously been suspended from the party, highlights the complex interplay between fundraising needs and past conduct. Simultaneously, the reported defections of donors like Mark Gallagher to Reform UK underscore the competitive landscape for political funding. Efforts to relaunch an advisory board indicate a proactive strategy to secure continued financial support from high-value donors. The party's ability to effectively manage these financial challenges and donor relations will likely be a key factor in its future operational capacity.

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Sources Used

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is a £50,000 donation for a dinner with Kemi Badenoch causing questions?
The donation came from Rami Ranger, who was previously suspended from the Conservative Party. His reinstatement and subsequent high bid for a dinner with Kemi Badenoch have caused concern among some party members.
Q: What was Kemi Badenoch's situation when she took over as Conservative leader?
Kemi Badenoch stated that the Conservative Party was in serious financial trouble when she took over. She said the party 'nearly ran out of money' after a bad election result, and donors were thinking about stopping their support.
Q: Are other Conservative donors moving to Reform UK?
Yes, some significant Conservative donors have reportedly moved to Reform UK. Mark Gallagher, who helped Kemi Badenoch's leadership campaign, is one example. He is said to have left because he felt ignored by Badenoch.
Q: What is the Conservative Party doing to get more donations?
The party plans to restart an 'exclusive advisory board'. This board will give big donors direct access to senior ministers. This is an effort to keep donors giving money and to get more financial support.
Q: Has Kemi Badenoch received hospitality from donors recently?
Yes, Kemi Badenoch and her family spent a week as guests of a climate-skeptic Tory donor, Sir Mick Davis. Her team said it was a personal holiday during half-term.