Former Neo-Nazi Joshua Bonehill-Paine Withdraws UK Conservative Candidacy Amid Backlash

Joshua Bonehill-Paine, a former neo-Nazi convicted of racially motivated harassment against ex-MP Luciana Berger, has withdrawn his candidacy for the Somerset Council under the UK Conservative Party. His decision followed intense criticism from community leaders, the Board of Deputies of British Jews, Berger herself, and senior Conservative figures who demanded his removal. Initially, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch defended Bonehill-Paine, citing his rehabilitation, but later announced his withdrawal after further party pressure.

In a statement on social media platform X, Bonehill-Paine expressed deep remorse for his past actions and said he withdrew to demonstrate his contrition to the Jewish community. Badenoch subsequently offered him a role as an advisor to the party's Culture and Integration Committee, focusing on combating radicalization and antisemitism. Bonehill-Paine acknowledged his past antisemitism at age 21, which led to his conviction and imprisonment, and stated he has since dedicated years to fighting antisemitism and extremism.

He committed to continuing his work with the Conservative Party's committee, established in March, concentrating on how young men become radicalized. Bonehill-Paine emphasized his determination to rebuild trust and contribute to eradicating antisemitism.