Rami Ranger, a Conservative donor recently reinstated after a suspension for bullying allegations, has stirred controversy by bidding £50,000 for an exclusive dinner with Kemi Badenoch at a party fundraising event. This lavish expenditure has incited outrage among party members who question the ethics of his return to the fold.
Suspension and Controversy
Ranger, a member of the House of Lords, faced suspension in 2023 following complaints regarding his conduct, including inappropriate remarks directed at the Pakistani community and an independent journalist. His suspension was a response to a series of accusations, notably against freelance journalist Poonam Joshi, where he was found to have engaged in bullying behaviour. Despite these serious allegations, the Conservative Party readmitted him in November 2024, albeit shortly after he lost his CBE.
In an interview, Ranger attributed his suspension to his refusal to apologise to the complainants, expressing unwavering loyalty to the Conservative Party since 1978. He stated, “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.”
Fundraising Event Highlights
Ranger’s expensive bid came during a 1920s-themed gala held at the prestigious Peninsula hotel in London. The event, which reportedly raised around £220,000 for the party, featured high-profile auction items, including a lunch with Jacob Rees-Mogg and a shooting trip with James Cleverly. The dinner with Badenoch, however, emerged as the most sought-after experience, attracting significant interest from other donors.
Critics within the party have expressed dismay at the decision to welcome back someone with Ranger’s history. One party backer remarked, “The rehabilitation of Rami Ranger just shows how desperate this Tory party is for money from anywhere.”
The Aftermath of His Return
The dynamics surrounding Ranger’s return to the party have raised eyebrows. Following an investigation by the House of Lords, which concluded he had abused his power but opted not to suspend him after he agreed to undergo social media training, Ranger’s actions have sparked ethical concerns. His prior derogatory comments towards Joshi included unfounded allegations about her husband and severe personal attacks, leading many to question the party’s judgement in accepting his financial support once more.
Despite the controversy, Ranger made a £5,000 donation early in 2024 while still under suspension but has not contributed since his reinstatement. The party has remained tight-lipped about his return, opting to update parliamentary records quietly without public announcement.
Why it Matters
Rami Ranger’s return to the Conservative Party and his high-profile fundraising bid highlight significant tensions within the party regarding ethics and accountability. As the Tories grapple with financial pressures, the acceptance of controversial figures raises critical questions about the standards to which party members are held. This incident not only reflects the internal struggles of the Conservatives but also underscores the broader implications for party reputation and integrity in British politics.
