Joshua Bonehill-Paine, a former neo-Nazi activist convicted of antisemitic harassment, has withdrawn from standing as a Conservative council candidate in Somerset following widespread criticism. The 33-year-old had been selected to contest the Crewkerne South ward in next year’s local elections but announced his decision to step aside amid backlash from political leaders and Jewish organisations.

Bonehill-Paine was imprisoned in 2016 after being found guilty of racially aggravated harassment against then-Labour MP Luciana Berger, who is Jewish and now sits in the House of Lords. During the trial, he was noted to have shown contempt for the court, including performing a Nazi salute. Prior to that, he served a separate jail sentence for producing neo-Nazi material promoting a rally with imagery of the Auschwitz concentration camp accompanied by offensive slogans. He has publicly described himself in the past as a fascist and supporter of white rights.

Following public outcry, including condemnation from Berger and Jewish groups such as the Board of Deputies of British Jews and the Jewish Leadership Council, Bonehill-Paine stated that he regretted his past actions and acknowledged the pain they caused. He expressed a desire to contribute positively by supporting efforts to combat antisemitism and extremism. In a statement, he said he believed his experience could be better utilised advising Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch’s culture and integration commission, with a focus on radicalisation among young men.

Kemi Badenoch defended Bonehill-Paine’s selection originally, describing him as rehabilitated and emphasising the party’s commitment to second chances. She said she was saddened that he would not be given the opportunity to explain his position publicly or represent his community. Badenoch also highlighted a distinction between standing as a local council candidate and holding national office, stating higher standards applied to parliamentary candidates. She welcomed his new advisory role aimed at tackling radicalisation within the party’s culture and integration commission.

The decision drew significant criticism from across the political spectrum. Baroness Berger called Bonehill-Paine’s appointment as an adviser an insult, stating that his history of racism and misogyny disqualified him from any public role. Liberal Democrat MP Adam Dance, representing the area where Bonehill-Paine sought to stand, said the withdrawal was the correct outcome but criticised Badenoch for defending the candidate’s initial selection. Reform UK also condemned the appointment, describing it as “alarming” and expressing concern for the Jewish community.

Bonehill-Paine has recently gained some online following through a satirical platform focused on political commentary, which some have viewed as a sign of his changing views. Nonetheless, the episode has sparked debate about the balance between rehabilitation and accountability within political parties, especially regarding individuals with histories linked to extremism and hate crimes. The Conservative Party has maintained that engaging with those who have renounced past extremist views is essential to combating antisemitism and radicalisation in society.