Rami Ranger, a Conservative peer previously suspended over allegations of bullying and inappropriate remarks, has sparked outrage within party circles after bidding £50,000 for an exclusive dinner with Kemi Badenoch. This latest development raises questions about the Conservative Party’s ethical standards and its financial dependencies.
Ranger’s Clouded Past
The controversy surrounding Ranger is far from new. He was suspended from the Conservative Party in September 2023 following complaints regarding his conduct towards an independent journalist and derogatory comments made about the Pakistani community. Despite these serious allegations, he was reintegrated into the party in November 2024, albeit soon after losing his Commander of the British Empire (CBE) honour.
In a statement to the press, Ranger implied that his suspension stemmed from his refusal to apologise to his accusers, stating, “My support, financial and otherwise, has always been grounded in belief in free trade, enterprise, limited bureaucracy, and Britain’s competitiveness as a trading nation.” His financial contributions to the party exceed £1.5 million since 2009, providing him with a significant platform within Conservative circles.
A Fundraising Gala with Controversy
The dinner took place during a 1920s-themed fundraising gala at the luxurious Peninsula Hotel in central London, which reportedly raised around £220,000 for the party. Ranger’s successful bid stood out, as guests had the opportunity to partake in other exclusive events, including lunches with prominent figures like Michael Gove and Jacob Rees-Mogg, as well as a shooting trip with James Cleverly.
However, the decision to allow Ranger back into the fold has drawn ire from some party members. One insider remarked, “The rehabilitation of Rami Ranger just shows how desperate this Tory party is for money from anywhere.” This sentiment reflects a growing concern about the party’s willingness to overlook serious allegations for the sake of financial support.
Public Reaction and Ethical Concerns
Ranger’s past conduct includes making unfounded accusations against freelance journalist Poonam Joshi, where he labelled her an “evil woman” and threatened legal action. The House of Lords Commissioner for Standards found that he had abused his position by undermining Joshi, yet he was not suspended from Parliament following a promise to undergo social media training.
Joshi has expressed her indignation over Ranger’s return, denouncing the party’s acceptance of his financial contributions as “appalling and totally unethical.” The contrast between Ranger’s past behaviour and his current standing within the party raises significant ethical questions about the Conservative Party’s internal governance and commitment to accountability.
Financial Dependencies and Party Ethics
As the Conservative Party navigates its financial landscape, the re-admittance of controversial figures like Ranger highlights a troubling trend. With party funds dwindling, the willingness to accept donations from sources with questionable pasts may compromise the integrity of the party.
Electoral Commission records indicate that Ranger continued to donate to the party even during his suspension, although he has not contributed since his reinstatement. This raises further questions about the long-term implications of such financial ties and the potential impact on party policy and public perception.
Why it Matters
The decision to reintegrate Rami Ranger not only reflects the Conservative Party’s current financial struggles but also poses serious ethical dilemmas. As the party grapples with allegations of misconduct and a tarnished reputation, the acceptance of funds from individuals with controversial backgrounds may undermine public trust. The balance between financial necessity and ethical integrity is precarious, and the implications of this situation could reverberate throughout the party’s future.
