Tory activist suspended over contract killer broker claims

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 25 Oct, 13:20 · Archive

A Conservative activist who appeared in an undercover film discussing hiring contract killers had worked for party headquarters.

Jack Ross, a former Conservative activist, has had his party membership suspended pending investigation after an undercover Al Jazeera film showed him apparently offering to 'broker' the services of contract killers. In the footage, he allegedly asked an undercover reporter 'What do you want done?' and listed violent options including stabbing, shooting and killing.

Ross was contracted to provide social media advice to Conservative headquarters until earlier this year. The Guardian reports he also worked as a consultant in Kemi Badenoch's office as recently as last year. He held the position of Chief Operations Officer at Turning Point UK, an offshoot of a right-wing American organisation, and met several prominent politicians including former Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage.

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch described the allegations as 'shocking' and said she did not believe Ross remained a party member. Ross has denied the allegations completely, claiming everything he said to the reporter was not meant seriously. Police in Scotland said they would be reviewing the Al Jazeera documentary.

How it is being reported

• Former Tory candidate suspended over contract killer claims was adviser in Kemi Badenoch’s officeSources close to Tory leader say Jack Ross, who faces party investigation after undercover report, worked as social media consultant A former Conservative election candidate who was suspended after he was filmed discussing the cost of hiring contract killers worked as a consultant in Kemi Badenoch’s office as recently as last year. Jack Ross is facing an investigation by the Tories after he was filmed apparently asking an undercover reporter: “What do you want done?” and apparently offering to “broker” the services of an alleged far-right paramilitary group. Continue reading...The Guardian · 25 Oct, 13:00
• Tory activist in 'contract killing broker' claim had worked for party HQJack Ross was contracted to do social media work for the party until earlier this year, the BBC has been told.BBC News · 24 Oct, 03:52

In this story: Jack Ross · Kemi Badenoch · Conservative Party · Al Jazeera · Turning Point UK · Boris Johnson · Nigel Farage

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