Joshua Bonehill-Paine was selected by the Conservatives to stand in the new Crewkerne South seat in the upcoming Somerset Council elections on May 6, 2027. Writing on social media, Mr Bonehill-Paine said: "I know that my previous actions continue to cause pain in the Jewish community. "I had thought that getting involved in my local council and working hard for my community was a good way to show how much I have changed and that I want to give something back. He added: "Rather than standing as a local council candidate, I believe that my experience is better used supporting Kemi Badenoch in her ongoing mission to combat the antisemitism and extremism that is dividing our nation." Kemi Badenoch says she is "sad" about candidate withdrawalConservative leader Kemi Badenoch said she was “sad” that Mr Bonehill-Paine “won’t be given the space to explain his position and represent his community”.