In a surprising and contentious development, Joshua Bonehill-Paine, a former neo-Nazi with a history of antisemitic convictions, has been selected as the Conservative Party candidate for the upcoming Somerset council election. Known for his controversial past and his role in creating the satirical online platform, the Crewkerne Gazette, Bonehill-Paine’s candidacy has ignited fierce debate within political circles and drawn criticism from opponents of the Conservative Party.
A Troubling Past
Joshua Bonehill-Paine has openly identified himself as a “nationalist, fascist, theorist, and supporter of white rights.” His criminal record is extensive, including convictions for harassment, assault, and antisemitism. In 2014, he was found guilty of malicious communications after orchestrating an anti-Islam hoax that resulted in death threats against a Leicester pub. His antisemitic activities reached a peak in 2015 when he was sentenced to over three years in prison for disseminating “vile” online content in the lead-up to a planned neo-Nazi rally.
In 2016, Bonehill-Paine was convicted of racially aggravated harassment for targeting Labour MP Luciana Berger with derogatory and abusive messages, including calling her a “rodent” and an “evil money-grabber.” His past as the founder of the far-right group, the National British Resistance, only adds to the controversy surrounding his political ambitions.
Party Support and Internal Criticism
Despite his troubling history, Bonehill-Paine claims that the Conservative Party, particularly the Yeovil branch, is fully aware of his past and continues to support him. “Our chairman has been a vocal advocate and has supported me since I became a member of the party. I am very grateful for the support,” he stated. This endorsement raises questions about the party’s stance on extremism and its commitment to combating antisemitism.
Opposition voices within and outside the Conservative Party have been quick to highlight the apparent hypocrisy in the party’s selection process. A spokesperson for Reform UK remarked, “Kemi claims the Tories have changed and they will have a new generation of candidates – it’s now clear what calibre of candidates they will be. Kemi claims to support the fight against antisemitism yet selects a convicted antisemite Nazi as a candidate. The hypocrisy is breathtaking.”
Notably, Conservative Chief Whip Rebecca Harris faced backlash earlier this year for sharing a video from Bonehill-Paine’s satirical account that featured party leader Kemi Badenoch in a positive light, further complicating the party’s narrative regarding its position on extremism.
A Shift in Conservative Politics
Bonehill-Paine’s selection arrives at a time of significant change within the Conservative Party, particularly under Kemi Badenoch’s leadership. The party has recently been accused of marginalising centrist voices. In a notable incident, a young Tory activist, Cody Butler, resigned from the One Nation Conservative Network, asserting that there is no longer a place for one-nation conservatism within the party.
Badenoch has defended her leadership style, asserting that she is steering a “brand new party full of new people.” However, the choice of candidates like Bonehill-Paine has raised serious questions about the direction the party is taking and its commitment to inclusivity and tolerance.
Why it Matters
The candidacy of Joshua Bonehill-Paine is not just a local issue; it reflects broader concerns about the resurgence of far-right ideologies within mainstream political parties in the UK. As the Conservative Party grapples with its identity, the implications of selecting candidates with such polarising backgrounds could have lasting effects on its reputation and electoral prospects. The controversy underscores the critical need for political parties to confront their histories and ensure that their candidate selections align with a commitment to combating hate and promoting unity in an increasingly divided society.
