Key facts
- Candidate
- Joshua Bonehill-Paine
- Party
- Conservative
- Seat
- Crewkerne South, Somerset Council
- Election year
- 2027
- Previous convictions
- Antisemitic material, racial harassment, assaulting police officer, burglary of police station, malicious communications
- Prison sentence
- Three years for antisemitic material
Background
Joshua Bonehill-Paine, a man previously jailed for neo-Nazi activism, has been selected as a Conservative candidate for the Somerset Council seat of Crewkerne South in the 2027 elections. He spent three years in prison for posting antisemitic material ahead of a planned neo-Nazi rally and was later convicted of racially harassing then-Labour MP Luciana Berger.
Bonehill-Paine also holds previous convictions for assaulting a police officer, burglary of a police station, and malicious communications. He was behind the online satirical project The Crewkerne Gazette.
After his release from prison in 2018, Bonehill-Paine says he was supported by his local community and decided to reform his extremist views upon learning of the murder of MP Jo Cox during his prison sentence. He has since undertaken a de-radicalisation programme and delivers counter-extremism sessions across the UK.
Current situation
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch defended the selection, saying Bonehill-Paine has 'shown contrition for his crimes' and is 'actively working to help communities, especially Jewish communities.' She added, 'The Conservative Party believes in second chances.'
Bonehill-Paine said his previous views were 'indefensible' and that he wants to 'give back' to a community that supported him. He said he felt 'grief and anger' over Jo Cox's murder and questioned why he supported a right-wing ideology.
The Board of Deputies of British Jews criticised the move, with vice president Karen Newman saying it 'beggars belief.' The group has contacted the Conservative Party to call for his selection to be rescinded and for a review of vetting processes.
| Name | Role | Statement |
|---|---|---|
| Joshua Bonehill-Paine | Conservative candidate | Previous views 'indefensible' |
| Kemi Badenoch | Conservative leader | Shown contrition, believes in second chances |
| Karen Newman | Board of Deputies of British Jews vice president | Move 'beggars belief' |
| Adam Dance | Liberal Democrat MP | Public service built on trust |
| Nigel Farage | Reform UK leader | Questioned if part of 'new generation' |
Impacts
Liberal Democrat MP Adam Dance, whose Yeovil constituency includes Crewkerne, said residents deserve to feel confident in those seeking to represent them, and that public service is built on trust. He called on the Conservative Party to explain why it believes this candidate is fit to serve.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage questioned whether Bonehill-Paine is part of the 'new generation' of Conservative candidates promised by Kemi Badenoch.
The selection could affect public trust in the Conservative Party locally and nationally, with Jewish community groups expressing concern. The outcome may influence voter perceptions in the Crewkerne South seat ahead of the 2027 elections.
Future outlook
Scenario analysis: The possibilities below are not certain predictions.
If the Conservative Party retains Bonehill-Paine as a candidate, it may face continued criticism from Jewish groups and political opponents, potentially affecting its reputation. However, if the party rescinds his selection, it could mitigate some of the backlash.
Bonehill-Paine's continued work in counter-extremism could either bolster his credibility or be seen as insufficient given his past convictions. The outcome may depend on public reaction and further scrutiny of his record.
The situation may also influence how other parties approach candidate vetting and second chances, with potential implications for political discourse on extremism and rehabilitation.
Source: bbc.co.uk
