The short version
- Kemi Badenoch defended the selection of Joshua Bonehill-Paine, a former neo-Nazi activist, as a local candidate before he withdrew to take an advisory role on radicalization.
- The leader’s stance has alienated centrists and remainers while energizing right-wing factions, coinciding with a broader purge of MPs who support net zero or human rights conventions.
- Opponents criticize the move as strategically damaging, noting it mirrors Reform UK policies and distracts from efforts to regain parliamentary seats lost in the previous election.
The Conservative Party is grappling with significant internal discord following a controversial week centered on its leader, Kemi Badenoch. At the heart of the turmoil is her decision to support Joshua Bonehill-Paine, a former neo-Nazi activist previously convicted for harassment involving antisemitic and sexist content against Labour peer Luciana Berger. Bonehill-Paine had been selected as a candidate for a local election in Somerset, a move that sparked immediate backlash from political opponents and segments of the public.
Under mounting pressure, Bonehill-Paine withdrew his candidacy just two days after his selection was announced. He stated that Badenoch had instead invited him to serve as an adviser to the party’s culture and integration commission, where he would focus on issues related to male radicalization. Rather than distancing herself from the controversy, Badenoch maintained her support for Bonehill-Paine, expressing sadness that he felt unable to explain his position or represent his community.
Badenoch framed the criticism as an attempt by rival parties to cancel individuals who have changed their views. She asserted that the Conservative Party is distinct in its approach and should not succumb to what she described as political sport. This firm stance has drawn sharp reactions from across the political spectrum, with Reform UK describing her support as unbelievable and Liberal Democrats mocking the notion that a former neo-Nazi would only be responsible for mundane tasks like bin collection if elected.
The controversy emerges against a backdrop of aggressive restructuring within the Conservative parliamentary party. Badenoch recently initiated a purge targeting MPs who align with centrist or liberal policies, specifically those supporting net zero climate targets or Britain’s membership in the European Convention on Human Rights. She characterized the parliamentary group as not being a retirement home for failed politicians and warned that adherence to these positions would result in being blocked from standing in future elections.
High-profile figures have already felt the impact of this shift. Former minister Gavin Barwell lost the whip, and ex-cabinet member Grant Shapps was barred from seeking re-election. Reports indicate that multiple members associated with Reform UK were also prevented from joining the party, suggesting a complex realignment rather than a simple merger. The juxtaposition of blocking established politicians while welcoming a convicted activist has raised eyebrows among party insiders.
Centrists and remainers within the party express growing concern about their future under Badenoch’s leadership. Cody Butler, former chair of the One Nation Conservative Network, resigned from both his role and the party, describing centrists, climate-conscious members, and remainers as running out of political space. He criticized the narrative of unity, arguing that hardliners are taking control and threatening the stability of the party.
Despite these internal warnings, Badenoch’s rightward pivot appears to resonate with certain segments of the party base. Some MPs report that her approach is being received positively by rank-and-file members who feel the party previously lacked clear direction. A senior adviser noted that voters in the last election expressed confusion about Conservative values, suggesting that Badenoch’s clarity on issues is addressing this deficit.
Policy announcements have further fueled perceptions of alignment with right-wing populism. Badenoch revealed plans for a future Conservative government to evict foreign nationals with leave to remain from social housing. This proposal drew accusations from Reform UK’s Zia Yusuf of copying their platform, while homelessness charity Shelter warned it could exacerbate homelessness and strain local council resources.
Political opponents view the week’s events as a strategic misstep that undermines efforts to rebuild the party’s electoral prospects. Labour sources expressed amusement at what they described as irrelevant distractions, suggesting Badenoch’s instincts are flawed. Meanwhile, Liberal Democrats highlighted the irony of the Conservatives showing little interest in recovering the sixty seats lost directly to them in the previous election, focusing instead on internal ideological battles.
As the Conservative Party navigates this period of intense scrutiny, the long-term implications remain uncertain. The leadership’s commitment to a hardline stance may solidify support among right-wing factions but risks alienating moderate voters and members essential for broad electoral appeal. The coming months will likely reveal whether this strategy can unify the party or deepen existing fractures.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- The Guardian World↗Kemi Badenoch’s weird week: defence of ex-neo-Nazi raises questions over Tory direction
