Tories offer Jewish groups meeting with ex neo-Nazi activist candidate

The Conservative Party faces criticism for selecting Joshua Bonehill-Paine, a candidate with a history of neo-Nazi activism and a prison sentence, to stand for a seat on Somerset Council. Jewish community groups have expressed strong opposition, with the Board of Deputies of British Jews calling the selection "unbelievable" and urging the party to withdraw him. In response, the Conservatives have offered meetings with Bonehill-Paine to discuss these concerns directly. Party leader Kemi Badenoch has defended the decision, stating that the party believes in second chances and that Bonehill-Paine is actively working against extremism. Bonehill-Paine himself has described his past views as "indefensible" and has undergone de-radicalization programs. He previously served three years in prison for posting antisemitic material and was later convicted of racially harassing former Labour MP Luciana Berger. Berger has voiced her distress over his selection, stating that he should not have any role in public life due to his past racism and views on women. Bonehill-Paine claims to have reformed his views after learning of MP Jo Cox's murder and now delivers counter-extremism sessions.

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The selection "beggars belief".