A former Conservative election candidate who was recently suspended amid allegations of discussing contract killings worked as a consultant in Kemi Badenoch’s office as recently as last year, according to reports.
Jack Ross, who held a role as a junior social media external consultant in the office of the opposition leader, has been the subject of an internal Conservative Party investigation following footage released by Al Jazeera. In this footage, Ross appeared to discuss arranging violent acts, including contract killings, with an undercover reporter posing as someone seeking to hire such services.
Scottish police have indicated they will review the documentary that captured Ross making references to hiring far-right paramilitary groups to undertake violent disruptions. The undercover reporter posed a scenario involving a supposed threat to a deceased uncle’s business, to which Ross reportedly responded that he could "broker" violent actions, while expressing concern about distancing himself from these activities. He also allegedly outlined various levels of violence that could be commissioned, ranging from assault to murder.
Ross previously stood unsuccessfully as a Conservative candidate in local elections and became chief executive officer of Turning Point UK (TPUK) in 2021, a British offshoot of the American conservative organization founded by the late Charlie Kirk. TPUK, initially positioned as a campus-focused group reflected in support from figures like former Home Secretary Priti Patel and MP Jacob Rees-Mogg, shifted towards street-based protests following the appointment of Nick Tenconi as its chief operating officer. Tenconi, who also leads Ukip, has been a prominent figure in anti-immigration and Christian nationalist protests.
Sources within Badenoch’s office confirmed that Ross’s work involved social media consultancy roles. One Tory staffer familiar with Ross’s tenure said his presence caused discomfort among some MPs but was tolerated since his work helped generate attention and engagement on party social media platforms. It was noted that Ross would frequently come and go within the office and was likely known to Badenoch herself.
Al Jazeera’s investigation further revealed that Ross introduced the undercover journalist to a violent criminal with ties to the Ulster Volunteer Force, a paramilitary group linked to sectarian violence. The criminal allegedly offered services to carry out killings for payment.
Footage from 2022 also captured discussions between Ross and Tenconi about building a “new right” movement involving far-right activists capable of street disruption and efforts to influence sympathetic Conservative MPs. TPUK made public appearances, including a branded event at King’s College London last year, which sparked protests.
The Conservative Party confirmed that Ross’s membership had been suspended with immediate effect pending the ongoing investigation and declined further comment. Requests for statements from Ross and Tenconi were not immediately answered.