Story perspectives

Tories Nominate Controversial Joshua Bonehill-Paine, Jewish Groups Protest

8/5/2026

Center

Bonehill-Paine Chosen

In August 2026, Joshua Bonehill-Paine was chosen as the Conservative Party candidate for the Crewkerne South ward of Somerset Council.
The party framed his candidacy as a rehabilitation test and leader Kemi Badenoch said he has shown contrition and now fights antisemitism.
Board of Deputies of British Jews refused to meet with Bonehill-Paine.
Former Labour MP Luciana Berger said he should have no role due to his racism.

Left

Bonehill-Paine Selected

Joshua Bonehill-Paine was chosen as the Conservative Party candidate for the Crewkerne South ward of Somerset Council in August 2026.
Jewish groups and former Labour MP Luciana Berger condemned the selection, saying it endangers community safety and exposes the Conservatives’ weak vetting.
The Conservative Party called Bonehill-Paine’s past actions indefensible but noted his current work in counter-extremism.
Board of Deputies called the pick appalling and urged rescission, citing his antisemitic harassment conviction.

Blindspot

Joshua Bonehill-Paine founded the far-right group National British Resistance and holds convictions for antisemitic harassment, assaulting a police officer and a police-station burglary.
Within this story's sources, this angle appears mainly in Left-leaning coverage and receives less attention in Center-leaning coverage.

History

Historical Context

After Derek Beackon’s 1993 council win, the BNP broke through again in 2002 with three Burnley councillors and expanded to 21 seats nationwide by 2005, when it secured two more Burnley seats in May 2005. The episode resurfaced in August 2026 as far-right activist Joshua Bonehill-Paine stood for the Conservatives, drawing criticism from Kemi Badenoch and Luciana Berger.

1 of 4

Bonehill-Paine Chosen

In August 2026, Joshua Bonehill-Paine was chosen as the Conservative Party candidate for the Crewkerne South ward of Somerset Council.
The party framed his candidacy as a rehabilitation test and leader Kemi Badenoch said he has shown contrition and now fights antisemitism.
Board of Deputies of British Jews refused to meet with Bonehill-Paine.
Former Labour MP Luciana Berger said he should have no role due to his racism.

1 / 4