Tory activist in 'contract killing broker' claim had worked for party HQ
A former Conservative Party activist, Jack Ross, has been suspended following an undercover report by Al Jazeera where he appeared to offer to broker contract killings. Ross, who previously provided social media advice to the party, claims his comments were not meant to be taken seriously.
Why it matters
The incident has caused political embarrassment for the UK Conservative Party and raises questions about the vetting of external contractors and the influence of fringe political organizations.
Image source, Reuters Image caption, Jack Ross (pictured) held the post of Chief Operations Officer at Turning Point UK, an offshoot of the US organisation
A former Tory activist who appeared to offer to "broker" the hiring of contract killers in an undercover film report previously worked for Conservative headquarters.
Jack Ross was contracted to do social media work for the party until earlier this year, the BBC has been told.
It comes after Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch referred to them as "shocking allegations", adding that she did not "believe that person is a member anymore".
A Conservative spokesman said Ross's party membership had "been suspended with immediate effect pending an investigation". It has reported that Ross said his words were not meant to be taken seriously.
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