Former neo-Nazi activist selected as Tory candidate for Somerset council election

Joshua Bonehill-Paine, a former neo-Nazi activist with prior criminal convictions, has been selected as a Conservative Party candidate for an upcoming local council election in Somerset. Bonehill-Paine, who previously created the satirical Crewkerne Gazette, has a documented history of legal issues, including a conviction for the harassment of a Jewish Member of Parliament.

The selection has drawn attention due to the candidate's past extremist affiliations and criminal record. The situation highlights the vetting process for local government candidates as the Conservative Party prepares for the Somerset council election.