Tory activist in 'contract killing broker' claim had worked for party HQ
Tory activist in 'contract killing broker' claim had worked for party HQ Image source, Reuters Image caption, Jack Ross (pictured) held the post of Chief Operations Officer at Turning Point UK, an offshoot of the US organisation By Harry Farley Political correspondent Published 5 hours ago A former Tory activist who appeared to offer to "broker" the hiring of contract killers in an undercover film report previously worked for Conservative headquarters.
Jack Ross was contracted to do social media work for the party until earlier this year, the BBC has been told. It comes after Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch referred to them as "shocking allegations", adding that she did not "believe that person is a member anymore". A Conservative spokesman said Ross's party membership had "been suspended with immediate effect pending an investigation". It has reported that Ross said his words were not meant to be taken seriously.
Ross was paid to provide social media advice to the party for a brief period, the BBC has been told. He was never an employee or Conservative Campaign Headquarters pass holder. However, he met Badenoch on several occasions as part of his role as chief executive of Turning Point UK, an offshoot of a right-wing American organisation. Ross has also met several other right-wing politicians including the former Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Nigel Farage, the Reform UK leader.
In undercover filming broadcast this week by Al Jazeera, Ross appears to offer to "broker" the services of contract killers. The Al Jazeera report said its undercover journalist approached Ross in 2022 with a fictitious situation of a family business at risk of being taken over by a criminal gang. Ross is alleged to have asked the undercover reporter what was needed from him, and listed violent options that could be bought including stabbing, shooting and killing.
Left out here: Leaves out what changes the picture
The article never says whose services Ross appeared to offer to broker. The Guardian reported that they were those of an alleged far-right paramilitary group. Without this, a reader sees only a vague offer of hired criminals.
How we know
- The Guardian reported“apparently offering to “broker” the services of an alleged far-right paramilitary group”Former Tory candidate suspended over contract killer claims was adviser in Kemi Badenoch’s office (opens in a new tab)
Al Jazeera said Ross denied the finding "completely" and claimed everything he said to the reporter was not meant seriously. Turning Point UK has been approached for comment. Related topics Conservative Party
Read the original article on bbc.com (opens in a new tab)