Joshua Bonehill-Paine Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch is under growing political pressure after appointing a former neo-Nazi and convicted antisemite as an adviser, despite him withdrawing as a Conservative council candidate following widespread criticism. The decision has triggered condemnation from opposition parties and renewed scrutiny of the Conservative leadership's judgment, even as Badenoch insists former extremists can play a role in tackling radicalisation. Storm Erupts Over New Role Joshua Bonehill-Paine had been selected to fight a Somerset council seat before stepping aside after a backlash. Badenoch confirmed he would instead advise the party's culture and integration commission on preventing the radicalisation of young men. The appointment immediately drew fierce criticism from political opponents and campaigners, who questioned why someone with his criminal history had been offered a senior advisory role. Baroness Luciana Berger Victim Brands Move an 'Insult' Labour peer Baroness Luciana Berger, who was targeted by Bonehill-Paine in a campaign of antisemitic harassment that led to his imprisonment in 2016, described the appointment as "an insult". She said giving him an influential position within the Conservative Party was no better than allowing him to stand for elected office. Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband said the Conservatives must explain both his original candidacy and any future work carried out on the party's behalf. Political Pressure Intensifies Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey accused Badenoch of showing an "outrageous lack of judgment", while Labour chair Bridget Phillipson said the decision reflected badly on the state of the Conservative Party under her leadership. Reform UK also criticised the appointment, saying it "beggars belief". The controversy has become an early test of Badenoch's leadership as opponents seek to portray the decision as a serious political misstep. Badenoch Defends Second Chance Badenoch has stood by the appointment, arguing that tackling extremism requires input from people who have left extremist movements behind. She said Bonehill-Paine had changed and should be allowed to contribute to preventing others from following the same path. Bonehill-Paine has apologised for his past offences, including antisemitic abuse and promoting a neo-Nazi rally, and says he now works to challenge antisemitism. The Board of Deputies of British Jews offered qualified support for his advisory role, arguing that former extremists can have value in educating others, while stressing that such work is more appropriate than seeking elected office. Kemi Badenoch under fire for appointing former antisemite as adviser
