Former Tory election candidate suspended over contract killing claims

Jack Ross, a former Conservative Party election candidate and current chief executive of Turning Point UK, has been suspended from the party following revelations that he allegedly discussed hiring contract killers during an undercover operation. The suspension came into effect immediately as the Conservative Party launches an internal investigation into the conduct of its former member. Police forces in Scotland have stated they are reviewing footage from an Al Jazeera documentary titled Contract Killers and the Far Right to assess whether any criminal offences have been committed. The controversy centers on video evidence released this week by Al Jazeera, in which Ross appears to engage with an undercover reporter posing as a victim of a fictional family dispute. In the scenario presented to Ross, a deceased uncle’s business was threatened by a criminal gang. Ross reportedly asked the reporter, "What do you want done?" before outlining a menu of violent services available for purchase. According to the footage, he stated that individuals could be beaten, cut, stabbed, shot, or killed, assigning specific costs to each level of violence. He further suggested he could "broker" these services through contacts within far-right circles. Ross, who served as the chief executive of Turning Point UK since 2021, is described by the broadcaster as having introduced the undercover journalist to a violent criminal based in Glasgow. This individual, identified as having links to the paramilitary Ulster Volunteer Force, was filmed in a London hotel offering to arrange various forms of homicide, including hit-and-runs designed to resemble drunk driving incidents and stabbings. During one exchange, Ross reportedly told the reporter that if there was "lashback," he would need to keep his name out of it to avoid legal consequences. He also expressed concern that journalists might record such conversations and pass them to police, noting that doing so would lead to charges of conspiracy. Despite the severity of the allegations, Ross has denied the findings completely. He has claimed that his remarks were not intended to be taken seriously. Turning Point UK, the organization Ross leads, has not responded to requests for comment regarding the accusations. The group, originally launched as a student movement modeled after the US-based campaign group founded by the late Charlie Kirk, has shifted focus toward anti-migrant street protests. Nick Tenconi, the leader of the UK Independence Party, serves as the chief operating officer of Turning Point UK. Tenconi and Ross were filmed together outlining plans to use football-related disruptions, though the specific details of this plan remain partially obscured in the reporting. The incident has drawn attention to Ross’s previous connections with the Conservative leadership. Sources indicate that Ross worked as a junior social media external consultant in the office of Kemi Badenoch, the leader of the Conservative Party, as recently as last year. While he was not a formal employee or a holder of a Conservative Campaign Headquarters pass, he was paid for providing social media advice. Staffers familiar with the arrangement noted that Ross would visit the office intermittently. Some colleagues raised concerns about his presence, but these issues were reportedly dismissed because his involvement generated significant engagement on social media platforms. Senior figures in the party prioritized these metrics over discomfort among some Members of Parliament. Badenoch, who met with Ross and other Turning Point UK representatives after the death of Charlie Kirk, characterized the allegations against Ross as shocking. She stated publicly that she did not believe Ross remained a member of the party. A Conservative Party spokesperson confirmed the suspension, stating that no further comments could be made while the investigation proceeds. Ross’s profile on the website of the Bow Group, a Conservative think tank where he is listed as a research fellow, notes that he has advised MPs and candidates on political and digital strategy. He has been photographed with prominent political figures, including former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, James Cleverly, Jacob Rees-Mogg, and Liam Fox. Additionally, Ross has met with Nigel Farage, the leader of Reform UK. The timeline of Ross’s activities includes a period in 2022 when he was first filmed by undercover reporters. At that time, he advised the reporter to "keep it simple" when discussing desired outcomes. Later, Ross reportedly acted on behalf of the Zimbabwean government, paying thousands of pounds to the Glasgow-based activist to organize a fake political rally supporting the lifting of UK sanctions against the African nation. Ross admitted to the undercover reporter that some Zimbabweans had requested violent assistance, specifically mentioning a desire for a "shooter." He stated he had directed them to speak with the paramilitary contact, emphasizing that he did not wish to leave physical evidence linking him to the actions. Turning Point UK’s evolution from a campus-focused group to a participant in street-level activism has been linked to the influence of Tenconi. The organization has been involved in recent immigration protests, blending anti-migrant sentiment with Christian nationalist rhetoric. On Thursday, Tenconi staged a protest outside King’s College London, mimicking the style of campus events associated with Kirk. The demonstration featured a gazebo bearing Turning Point UK branding, surrounded by students and protesters. As the Conservative Party continues its internal review and Scottish police evaluate the documentary for potential criminal liability, the focus remains on the extent of Ross’s prior access to party resources and the nature of his interactions with both domestic political figures and foreign entities.