Kemi Badenoch Gives Former Neo Nazi Advisory Role
Wanderstayfinder.com – Kemi Badenoch gives former neo Nazi Joshua Bonehill-Paine a significant advisory position after he withdrew from the Conservative Party’s local election candidacy. The former activist will now work directly with Badenoch’s culture and integration commission, focusing on understanding how young men become radicalised. Bonehill-Paine, who previously faced conviction for harassment of a Jewish member of parliament, chose this national role over contesting the Crewkerne South district seat in Somerset.
The announcement came on Wednesday, with Bonehill-Paine explaining that his background would be more valuable in supporting Badenoch’s efforts to address extremism and antisemitism. He had been selected to contest the new district but decided to redirect his political ambitions toward a national advisory capacity instead.
Badenoch’s Defense of the Appointment
The Conservative leader has faced considerable scrutiny over the past two days, with pressure mounting from various Jewish organisations and individuals. Despite this, Badenoch maintained that Bonehill-Paine deserved an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the party’s work. She expressed disappointment that he felt constrained in his ability to explain his position and represent his community.
If we are going to stop extremism and antisemitism, we are going to need help from those people who were part of the problem, but have now changed and are being part of the solution.
Badenoch also highlighted that Bonehill-Paine had been subjected to what she characterised as a “piling on” during his candidacy, suggesting that the criticism had been disproportionate. She shared the withdrawal announcement on social media, framing the appointment as a pragmatic approach to combating the very issues he once embodied.
Immediate Reactions and Criticism
The decision to offer Bonehill-Paine this advisory position drew swift condemnation from multiple quarters. Luciana Berger, a Labour member of the House of Lords and former MP who was the target of Bonehill-Paine’s harassment campaign, was particularly vocal in her opposition. She argued that welcoming him as an adviser was no different from allowing him to stand as a council candidate, describing the appointment as an insult given her status as a victim of his actions.
The decision to welcome this individual as an adviser to the Leader of the Opposition is no better than allowing him to stand as a council candidate. It is a privileged and influential national role. As a victim of this man’s heinous crimes this appointment is an insult.
Both the Board of Deputies of British Jews and the Jewish Leadership Council initially declined the Conservative party’s invitation to meet with Bonehill-Paine. The former neo-Nazi, who once described himself as a “nationalist, fascist, theorist and supporter of white rights,” has re-emerged in recent years as the creator of the Crewkerne Gazette, a satirical online publication. While the JLC issued a statement welcoming his withdrawal from the Tory candidacy, it stopped short of commenting on his new advisory role.
Polling Reveals Public Division
Public opinion appears split on the matter. YouGov polling conducted after news of Bonehill-Paine’s withdrawal emerged showed that 57% of British voters considered his selection unacceptable. Reform voters demonstrated the most tolerance, with 36% viewing him as an acceptable choice, though this was outnumbered by the 44% who found the decision unacceptable. Among Conservative voters, only 28% thought the selection was acceptable, while 57% branded it unacceptable.
Reform UK also criticised Badenoch’s move, with a party spokesperson expressing concern that the Jewish community would be alarmed by Bonehill-Paine’s potential influence over national Conservative party policy. The criticism underscores the delicate balancing act Badenoch faces in managing party unity while addressing concerns from key constituencies.
A History of Controversy
Bonehill-Paine’s political journey has been marked by significant controversy. He was imprisoned in 2015 for more than three years after posting what were described as “vile” antisemitic materials online in the lead-up to a planned neo-Nazi rally. His conviction for racially aggravated harassment in 2016 related to abuse directed at Berger, who is Jewish. This included messages posted to his blog referring to Berger as a “rodent” and an “evil money-grabber.”
Earlier this week, Berger intervened directly with Badenoch, stating clearly that she did not believe Bonehill-Paine should hold any role in public life due to both his racism and his views on women. Her intervention highlighted the personal dimension of this political controversy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Joshua Bonehill-Paine?
Joshua Bonehill-Paine is a former neo-Nazi activist who was imprisoned in 2015 for posting antisemitic materials online. He was later convicted in 2016 for racially aggravated harassment of Labour MP Luciana Berger. He has since re-emerged as a political figure and created the Crewkerne Gazette, a satirical online publication.
What role did Kemi Badenoch give him?
Kemi Badenoch gives former neo Nazi Bonehill-Paine an advisory position within her culture and integration commission. In this role, he will focus on understanding pathways through which young men become radicalised and help address extremism and antisemitism.
Why did he withdraw as a Tory candidate?
Bonehill-Paine withdrew from the Conservative Party’s local election candidacy for Crewkerne South in Somerset, believing his background would be more valuable in supporting Badenoch’s national efforts rather than pursuing a local council seat.
What are the main criticisms of this appointment?
Critics, including Luciana Berger and various Jewish organisations, argue that welcoming Bonehill-Paine as an adviser is similar to allowing him to stand as a council candidate. They view the appointment as an insult to victims of his past actions and question whether he should hold any role in public life.
