Tory activist’s contract killing broker claim: what his party HQ work involved
What the undercover report alleged
Al Jazeera said a journalist approached Ross in 2022 with a made-up scenario about a family business threatened with a takeover by a criminal gang. In the undercover film report, Ross appeared to offer to broker the hiring of contract killers.
The report identified Ross as a former Tory activist. He held the role of Chief Operations Officer at Turning Point UK, an offshoot of the US organisation.
His work for the Conservatives
The BBC has been told that Ross received payment for social media advice to the party for a short time. He was not employed by the Conservatives and did not hold a pass for Conservative Campaign Headquarters. Ross has also met other right-wing politicians, including former Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage.
Responses to the allegations
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch described the allegations as shocking. She added that she did not believe Ross remained a party member. Al Jazeera said Ross completely denied its findings and argued that he had not been serious in what he told the undercover reporter.
Key points
- Al Jazeera’s undercover report said Ross appeared to offer to broker contract killers in 2022.
- Ross briefly received payment for social media advice to the Conservatives, the BBC has been told.
- He was not a Conservative employee or a Conservative Campaign Headquarters pass holder.
- Badenoch called the allegations shocking; Ross denied the report’s findings.