Rishi Sunak faces yet another firestorm after a major party donor was accused of a string of sexist jibes about Angela Rayner . Lord Ashcroft made the remarks at the launch of his new biography of
Labour ’s deputy leader in
London. The author and Tory grandee, 78, joked about a former aide of Ms Rayner calling her a “diva”, saying: “Her team call her a four-letter word…” Using a vulgar word for a part of a woman’s body, he continued: “But don’t worry, not the same four letter word she uses for her ginger g******.” The crude taunt referred to claims made in 2022 that Ms Rayner crossed her legs in the Commons to distract
Boris Johnson . A newspaper claimed Tory MPs had likened her tactics to Sharon Stone’s infamous scene in the film Basic Instinct - something Ms Rayner branded “vile lies”. Speaking at the time, she said: “As
Women we sometimes try to brush aside the sexism we face, but that doesn’t make it ok. The Mail implies today that I somehow enjoy being subjected to sexist slurs. I don’t. They are mortifying and deeply hurtful. "‘She loves it really’ is a typical excuse so many women are familiar with. But it can’t be women’s responsibility to call it out every time. I don’t need anyone to explain sexism to me - I experience it every day.” Ms Rayner also spoke about the “g****** thing” in an interview with comedian Matt Forde, referring to accusations she’d used “Sharon Stone” tactics as “misogyny” and “mortifying.” Both Downing Street and the Conservative Party declined to comment. A Labour spokesman said Ms Rayner had never knowingly met Lord Ashcroft ( Image: PA) Responding to Lord Ashcroft’s remarks, Diane Abbott said: “Racism and sexism are becoming widespread in our politics. Pretending it is banter does not make it acceptable” And Lib Dem Women and Equality spokesperson Christine Jardine said: "The Conservative party clearly has a big problem. It is time they focussed on policy instead of shameless and outdated comments about women MPs. They are out of touch with the country." Lord Ashcroft is also alleged to have told attendees Ms Rayner had sent him an audio message, before playing a recording of her describing Tory MPs as “scum” at a Labour Conference event in 2021. "Literally no-one laughed," one source said, with another describing the jokes as “pretty gross.” It's also claimed Lord Ashcroft "repeatedly" referred to Ms Rayner as "John Prescott in a dress" - a description Ms Rayner has used herself. "The whole speech was pretty sexist," another source said. Labour dismissed his speech as "desperate recycling of old gossip." A spokesperson said: “Angela has never knowingly met or even spoken to Belize-based Tory billionaire Lord Ashcroft, despite his unhealthy interest in her.” Lord Ashcroft said: “Angela Rayner has become well known for her use of colourful language and my speech quoted some of her colourful language directly, as does my book." Lord Ashcroft is the former Treasurer and Deputy Chairman of the Conservative Party, and a former member of the House of Lords. Labour figures have previously acknowledged it was Lord Ashcroft’s generous funding of the party in marginal seats that helped David Cameron ’s Tories win the 2010
election. He pumped £11million in cash and gifts into the party’s fighting fund between up to 2010. And he remains a major donor, most recently handing over £100,000 in cash last September. He was made a life peer in 2000, but came under
fire after admitting he remained a “non-dom” - basing himself the tax haven of Belize and so not paying
UK tax on overseas earnings. He remained in the House of Lords until 2015, then resigned his seat, but kept his peerage. Mr Sunak remains on the back foot over allegations of racist comments made by Frank Hester, currently the party’s top donor.
police are investigating Mr Hester over comments he allegedly made in 2019, saying that Ms Abbott made him “want to hate all black women” - and adding that she “should be shot.” Mr Hester has apologised for being “rude” about Ms Abbott, but insisted the comments had not been about “her gender or the colour of her skin.” Under mounting pressure, Mr Sunak admitted the comments were racist - but refused to return the cash handed over by Mr Hester. Asked about the police investigation on Friday, Mr Sunak said: “It wouldn't be right for me to comment on police matters, but as I've said previously, what he's said was wrong and racist, and he rightfully has apologised for it."