Why has Kemi Badenoch given a former neo-Nazi an advisory role? – The Latest
Aug 6, 2026 · 9m
Summary
This episode examines the controversy surrounding Kemi Badenoch’s decision to select former neo-Nazi Joshua Bonehill-Payne as a Conservative candidate and later advisor. Host Lucy Hoff and correspondent Ben Quinn discuss the backlash, including false claims about Home Office certification and polling showing widespread disapproval. The segment highlights how this misstep damages Badenoch’s standing and creates poor optics for the party.
Topics discussed
Paramount+ Lioness season 2 advertisement
Introduction: Joshua Bonehill-Payne controversy
Bonehill-Payne's neo-Nazi past and AI satire
Kemi Badenoch's misstep and party optics
Hiring as unpaid advisor on radicalization
De-radicalization claims and Home Office response
Badenoch's reputation for avoiding gaffes
YouGov polling on public acceptance
Impact on the 'Badenoch bounce' and Reform UK
Contrast with treatment of veteran Tories
Outro and production credits
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