Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch is facing significant backlash following reports that she offered an advisory position to Joshua Bonehill-Paine. Bonehill-Paine, a former neo-Nazi activist with a criminal record for harassing a Jewish Member of Parliament, was slated to run as a Conservative candidate in upcoming local elections. Following the public disclosure of the appointment, Bonehill-Paine announced he would withdraw his candidacy to focus on his new role.

According to reports, the advisory position is within the party’s culture and integration commission. The stated focus of his work is intended to be on the radicalization of young men. The appointment has drawn immediate condemnation from various groups, including the Board of Deputies of British Jews, who have pressured the party leadership regarding the decision. The controversy centers on whether a person with a history of extremist activity and criminal harassment is an appropriate choice to advise on social integration and radicalization. As of now, the Conservative Party leadership has been under intense scrutiny to justify the appointment in light of Bonehill-Paine's past actions and convictions.