A previous neo-Nazi activist, convicted of racially harassing a former Labour MP, has withdrawn as a Conservative candidate. Joshua Bonehill-Paine, found guilty in 2016 of an antisemitic attack on Labour peer Luciana Berger, a Jewish individual, has decided not to run for a Somerset Council seat. Despite this, he disclosed that Tory leader Kemi Badenoch had offered him a new role within the party.
Badenoch faced criticism for supporting Bonehill-Paine’s candidacy, with Jewish community leaders refusing to meet him. Berger, who testified against Bonehill-Paine during the trial while pregnant, condemned his actions as deeply anti-Semitic, racist, misogynistic, and pornographic. She emphasized that he should not have any involvement in public affairs.
Defending her decision, Badenoch argued that Bonehill-Paine had been rehabilitated and was actively combating racism and antisemitism. She expressed disappointment at his withdrawal as a candidate.
In a written statement, Bonehill-Paine acknowledged the pain he had caused the Jewish community and stated his desire to contribute positively by supporting Badenoch in addressing extremism and antisemitism. Consequently, he informed the Party of his withdrawal from the council election to become an adviser to the Conservative Party’s Culture and Integration Commission, focusing on countering radicalization among young men.
Earlier, Jewish organizations declined a meeting with Bonehill-Paine, citing the severity of his crimes and the impact on the victims. Baroness Berger criticized Badenoch’s support for Bonehill-Paine, emphasizing that he was unfit for public office due to his past offenses.
Bonehill-Paine, who served a two-year prison sentence for racially harassing Berger, now asserts his commitment to combating antisemitism and extremism. Berger highlighted the ongoing trauma caused by the case and reiterated her belief that he is unsuitable for public office.
Following Bonehill-Paine’s withdrawal, the Tory leader expressed sadness but welcomed his involvement in addressing radicalization. She emphasized the party’s efforts to unite the country and combat extremism.
Liberal Democrat MP Adam Dance welcomed Bonehill-Paine’s withdrawal but criticized Badenoch for not acknowledging the party’s error in selecting him. Dance raised concerns about the Conservative leader’s response and called for accountability in candidate selection processes.
