Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch is facing calls to remove a former neo-Nazi local election candidate, as demanded by former MP Luciana Berger. Berger, who was previously targeted in a “deeply antisemitic and misogynistic” attack by Joshua Bonehill-Paine, expressed her concerns over his candidacy.

Bonehill-Paine, a convicted racist, was found guilty in 2016 for launching an antisemitic attack on Berger when she was a Labour MP. Despite his past, he has now been chosen as a Conservative candidate for an upcoming local election. Berger criticized this decision, stating that the case still deeply affects her.

The ex neo-Nazi, who has a history of racial hatred and harassment, is set to run as a Conservative candidate in Somerset’s Crewkerne South district council election next year. Bonehill-Paine claims to have shifted his focus towards combating antisemitism and extremism.

Following his previous convictions for racially harassing Berger and inciting racial hatred, Bonehill-Paine has been under scrutiny for his candidacy. Despite claiming contrition and involvement in counter-extremism work, his past actions have raised concerns among various political parties.

In response to the criticism, Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch defended the decision to field Bonehill-Paine, highlighting his certification by the Home Office for anti-Semitism training. Badenoch emphasized the importance of second chances for individuals who have shown genuine change and dedication to community service.

While Bonehill-Paine acknowledged his past mistakes and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve, the Conservative Party maintained its stance on rehabilitation. The party stressed the importance of adherence to their code of conduct and values for all members.

The public will ultimately decide Bonehill-Paine’s fate as a candidate in the upcoming local election. Requests for comments from Somerset Conservatives and Bonehill-Paine have been made by Mirror for further insights.