Former Conservative Party Contractor Accused of Broker- ing Contract Killings

A former Conservative activist who allegedly offered to "broker" the hiring of contract killers in an undercover investigation previously worked for Conservative headquarters on social media tasks, the BBC has learned.

Jack Ross's contract with the party for social media work concluded earlier this year. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch described the allegations as "shocking" and stated that she did not "believe that person is a member anymore." A Conservative spokesman confirmed that Ross's party membership had been "suspended with immediate effect pending an investigation."

According to reports, Ross claimed his statements were not intended to be taken seriously. While he was paid for a brief period to offer social media advice, he was not an employee or a holder of a Conservative Campaign Headquarters pass.

However, Ross did meet with Badenoch on several occasions in his capacity as chief executive of Turning Point UK, an affiliate of an American right-wing organization. He has also met with other prominent right-wing political figures, including former Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage.

The allegations stem from an undercover film broadcast by Al Jazeera this week. The report claims that in 2022, an undercover journalist approached Ross with a hypothetical scenario involving a family business under threat from a criminal gang. During their interaction, Ross allegedly inquired about what was required of him and listed violent options available for purchase, such as stabbing, shooting, and killing.

Al Jazeera stated that Ross has denied the findings "completely" and asserted that everything he said to the reporter was meant in jest. Turning Point UK has been contacted for comment.