Ex-MP urges Tories to drop candidate jailed for campaign of antisemitic abuse against her
Former MP Luciana Berger is calling on the Conservative Party to drop Joshua Bonehill-Paine, a candidate for Somerset council who was previously jailed for antisemitic harassment against her. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has defended the selection, citing a belief in second chances.
Why it matters
The case highlights ongoing tensions regarding political vetting, the limits of rehabilitation in public office, and the impact of online harassment on political figures.
Joshua Bonehill-Paine is due to stand for election to Somerset council next year Photograph: Channel 4 News/Youtube Joshua Bonehill-Paine is due to stand for election to Somerset council next year Photograph: Channel 4 News/Youtube Conservatives Ex-MP urges Tories to drop candidate jailed for campaign of antisemitic abuse against her Luciana Berger says Joshua Bonehill-Paine should have no role in public life because of ‘his racism and his view of women’
Prefer the Guardian on Google A former MP has urged the Tory leader to drop an election candidate who was previously jailed for a campaign of antisemitic abuse against her.
Kemi Badenoch on Tuesday defended the Conservative party’s selection of Joshua Bonehill-Paine, a former neo-Nazi, insisting she believes in “second chances”.
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