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Extremist Candidate Joshua Bonehill-Paine Withdraws After Antisemitism Outcry

8/5/2026

Summary

Story summary

Joshua Bonehill-Paine withdrew as the Somerset council candidate, saying he must prove his fight against antisemitism after a 2015 conviction for harassing former Labour MP Luciana Berger and stirring hatred against a north-London Jewish community.
Conservative minister Kemi Badenoch said he was rehabilitated, fit for council work, expressed sadness at his withdrawal, and pledged to work with him on radicalisation.
Jewish groups condemned his candidacy and urged rescission.

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Story summary

Joshua Bonehill-Paine withdrew as the Somerset council candidate, saying he must prove his fight against antisemitism after a 2015 conviction for harassing former Labour MP Luciana Berger and stirring hatred against a north-London Jewish community.
Conservative minister Kemi Badenoch said he was rehabilitated, fit for council work, expressed sadness at his withdrawal, and pledged to work with him on radicalisation.
Jewish groups condemned his candidacy and urged rescission.