Ex neo-Nazi activist selected as Tory candidate
Summary
Joshua Bonehill-Paine, who was previously jailed for neo-Nazi activities and racial harassment, has been chosen as a Conservative Party candidate for the Somerset Council elections in 2027. He says he has changed his views and now works against extremism, but his selection has drawn criticism from Jewish groups and other politicians.Key Facts
- Joshua Bonehill-Paine served three years in prison for posting antisemitic material and was later convicted of racially harassing a Labour MP.
- He has been selected to run as a Conservative candidate for the new Crewkerne South seat in the Somerset Council elections next year.
- Bonehill-Paine claims to have reformed, citing the murder of MP Jo Cox as a turning point and now delivers talks against extremism.
- Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch supports his candidacy, saying he has shown regret and works to help communities, including Jewish ones.
- The Board of Deputies of British Jews called the decision "unbelievable" and asked the Conservative Party to reconsider.
- Other politicians, including a Liberal Democrat MP, expressed concern about trust and the message this sends to voters.
- Bonehill-Paine has past convictions beyond extremism, including assaulting a police officer and burglary.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.
