Labour peer Luciana Berger has formally urged Kemi Badenoch to reverse the appointment of Joshua Bonehill-Paine to a national advisory position. The request follows reports that Bonehill-Paine, who has a history of far-right activism, was given a role within the government’s advisory framework.

Bonehill-Paine’s criminal record includes a 2015 conviction for posting antisemitic material online in connection with a planned neo-Nazi rally. In 2016, he was further convicted of racially aggravated harassment for a campaign of abuse directed at Berger during her time as a Member of Parliament. He is also known for founding the National British Resistance, a far-right organization.

Berger has stated that the impact of the harassment she endured remains significant nearly a decade later. She has called on Badenoch to prioritize the concerns of victims when making appointments. As of the current reporting, the government has not issued a formal response regarding whether it intends to review or revoke the appointment. The situation highlights ongoing tensions regarding the vetting processes for government advisors and the inclusion of individuals with histories of hate speech or extremist affiliations in public roles.