Jack Ross suspended after Al Jazeera records contract killing offer

A former Conservative Party activist, Jack Ross, appeared in an Al Jazeera undercover film offering to “broker” the hiring of contract killers, and the BBC has confirmed he was paid for social‑media work by the party until earlier this year. Ross’s membership was suspended immediately after the broadcast, and party leader Kemi Badenoch called the allegations “shocking” while saying she does not believe he is still a member.

The episode follows a growing scrutiny of right‑wing groups linked to the Conservatives. Ross, who runs Turning Point UK – a British offshoot of a U.S. right‑wing organisation – met Badenoch and other senior politicians, including former prime minister Boris Johnson and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, while acting as chief executive of the think‑tank. He was never a full‑time employee of the party and did not hold a Conservative Campaign Headquarters pass, but he was contracted to give social‑media advice for a brief period. The Al Jazeera investigation, filmed in 2022, staged a scenario in which a family business faced a criminal takeover, prompting Ross to list violent options such as stabbing, shooting and killing, which he said could be arranged.

Al Jazeera says Ross later denied the claims, insisting his comments were not meant seriously. The Conservative Party has launched an internal investigation, and a spokesperson said Ross’s suspension will remain in force pending the outcome. Turning Point UK has been contacted for comment but has not responded. The controversy adds pressure on the party as it navigates internal discipline and public criticism over ties to extremist elements, while also highlighting the challenges of vetting external consultants who interact with senior officials. If the investigation finds wrongdoing, Ross could face criminal charges and the party may face further calls for tighter controls over its advisory networks.