Joshua Bonehill-Paine, a figure with a past marked by antisemitic actions, has withdrawn from his position as a Conservative candidate in next year’s Somerset council election. His selection to contest the Crewkerne South ward had sparked significant criticism from Jewish organisations and political opponents.
In a post on X, Mr Bonehill-Paine conveyed his deep remorse, stating that he needed to “show the Jewish community how much I regret my previous actions.” He emphasised his commitment to combating antisemitism and rebuilding trust with affected communities.
Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch expressed sadness at his decision, noting her disappointment that Mr Bonehill-Paine “won’t be given the space to explain his position and represent his community.” She also announced that he would collaborate with the party on countering radicalisation through their culture and integration commission.
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“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,” Mrs Badenoch said. “Piling on them and trying to get them cancelled may be sport for other parties, but this is a different Conservative Party.”
Mr Bonehill-Paine’s candidacy had prompted calls from organisations such as the Board of Deputies of British Jews and the Jewish Leadership Council for the Conservatives to reconsider. Labour peer Baroness Luciana Berger, who had been a target of Mr Bonehill-Paine’s previous racist harassment and antisemitic actions, stated he should have “no role in public life – because of both his racism and his view of women.”
His controversial history includes a 2016 conviction for racially aggravated harassment directed at Lady Berger and a prior imprisonment for producing an advertisement for a neo-Nazi rally featuring an image of Auschwitz with an offensive phrase.
In his statement, Mr Bonehill-Paine acknowledged the pain his past actions caused and described his intention to participate actively in anti-antisemitism work: “I had thought that getting involved in my local council and working hard for my community was a good way to show how much I have changed and that I want to give something back.”
He further revealed that Kemi Badenoch had offered him a role as an adviser to the culture and integration commission, focusing on understanding how young men become radicalised.
The Liberal Democrat MP for Yeovil, Adam Dance, welcomed Mr Bonehill-Paine’s withdrawal but criticised the Conservative response. He remarked, “It should never have got to this point,” and expressed concern that legitimate anxieties about antisemitism were being downplayed.
A spokesperson for Reform UK condemned the appointment of Mr Bonehill-Paine as an adviser on radicalisation, describing it as “alarming news for the Jewish community in Britain.” They highlighted his background as a self-professed fascist and his convictions related to antisemitic material.
The situation underscores the ongoing challenges political parties face in managing candidates' past actions while addressing serious concerns about extremism and community trust.