A one-time neo-Nazi campaigner, who served time for racially harassing a former Labour MP, has withdrawn his candidacy as a Conservative representative. Joshua Bonehill-Paine, convicted in 2016 for an anti-Semitic assault on Jewish Labour figure Luciana Berger, will no longer vie for a position on Somerset Council. However, he disclosed that Tory leader Kemi Badenoch has offered him a new role within the party.

Mrs. Badenoch faced criticism for supporting his candidacy, with Jewish community leaders declining to meet him. Baroness Berger, who testified during the trial while pregnant, condemned his actions as “deeply anti-Semitic, racist, misogynistic, pornographic,” expressing ongoing distress from the ordeal.

In defense of her decision, Ms. Badenoch asserted that Bonehill-Paine had undergone rehabilitation and now focuses on combating racism and anti-Semitism. Bonehill-Paine, in a statement, acknowledged the harm caused by his past actions and opted to support Badenoch in addressing extremism and anti-Semitism. He has withdrawn from the council election to serve as an advisor on the Conservative Party’s Culture and Integration Commission, emphasizing the prevention of radicalization among young men.

The Board of Deputies of British Jews and the Jewish Leadership Council rejected an invitation to meet Bonehill-Paine, citing the severity of his crimes and their impact on the victims. They urged the Conservatives to reconsider his selection.

Baroness Berger criticized the Tory leader for supporting Bonehill-Paine, emphasizing the gravity of his offenses. Bonehill-Paine’s conviction stemmed from hateful blog posts targeting Berger, resulting in a two-year prison sentence and ongoing monitoring of his online activities.

Baroness Berger emphasized the unsuitability of Bonehill-Paine for public office, highlighting the sustained nature of his offenses and their broader impact on various communities. She stressed the need for a high standard for individuals seeking public office.