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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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