The UK Conservative Party has suspended a former candidate after they were filmed as part of an Al Jazeera undercover investigation that infiltrated the group Turning Point UK.
Al Jazeera said the investigation, which began in 2021, covertly entered the ranks of Turning Point UK and recorded meetings and interactions involving members and associates. The broadcaster released footage that included the former Conservative candidate, prompting the party's disciplinary action.
Turning Point UK is a grassroots political group active in engaging young people in politics. The Al Jazeera probe has drawn renewed attention to the links between mainstream political parties and activist organisations, and has led to questions about conduct and oversight.
In announcing the suspension, the Conservative Party provided limited detail about the allegations or the next steps. The party did not indicate whether further disciplinary measures would follow pending any internal review or external inquiry. The development is likely to fuel scrutiny of relationships between political parties and outside groups as more material from the investigation circulates.