UK: Staunch anti-Israel activist chosen as Tory candidate in Rochester

The candidate selected to stand for the Conservative Party in an upcoming by-election in Kent is an anti-Israel activist at odds with the party’s stance on boycotts.

Kelly Tolhurst won an open primary to fight in Rochester and Strood next month. A local businesswoman and councillor, Ms Tolhurst is known as a vocal anti-Israel campaigner in the area.

During the Gaza conflict in July and August her Twitter account regularly posted messages calling on supporters to boycott Israeli companies. She also re-posted messages from the "Free Gaza Movement". She repeatedly targeted companies, including SodaStream and Ahava, and encouraged others to “hold Israel accountable for its violation of international law”.

More: Jewish Chronicle