The Conservative Party is facing a backlash after selecting a man jailed for neo-Nazi activism as a candidate for a Somerset council seat. Joshua Bonehill-Paine was imprisoned in 2015 for posting antisemitic remarks ahead of a protest, and has now been chosen to stand in a new Somerset Council seat in 2027.
The Board of Deputies of British Jews and the Jewish Leadership Council have both declined a meeting with Bonehill-Paine, though they have agreed to meet with Conservative Party representatives instead. The move highlights growing concern within the Jewish community over his selection.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has defended the decision to allow Bonehill-Paine to stand as a councillor candidate. Her defence comes as the party tries to manage the fallout from the selection, which has drawn criticism from political opponents and community groups.
The exact reasons for the Jewish groups' refusal were not detailed, but their decision to meet with the party rather than the candidate signals a clear rebuke. Bonehill-Paine's past conviction for antisemitic activity has raised questions about the party's candidate vetting process.
The selection is for a seat that will be contested in 2027, giving the party time to address the controversy before voters go to the polls.