From ‘move on’ to ‘racist and wrong’: how the Tory line on Frank Hester kept changing

An incoherent response to the donor’s remarks has raised questions about Rishi Sunak’s political nous

As the first minister sent to defend Frank Hester after the Guardian revealed his comments about Diane Abbott, Graham Stuart could not hide his unease.

“Clearly it’s uncomfortable, I’m uncomfortable talking about this now, because he was clearly wrong,” the energy minister told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme on Tuesday morning. “But we need to show understanding – and the important thing was he did apologise.”