LONDON — A controversial candidate selected by Britain's Conservative Party for a local election has withdrawn from the contest after facing criticism over his previous involvement with neo-Nazi groups and convictions for hate crimes.

The former candidate said he needed to do more to demonstrate his commitment to fighting antisemitism and building trust with Britain's Jewish community. His decision has triggered renewed debate about how political parties vet candidates before allowing them to stand for elected office.

The controversy comes at a politically sensitive time, with antisemitism and political extremism remaining major issues in Britain's public debate. Candidate selection has increasingly become an important test for parties seeking to demonstrate their standards and values to voters.

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said she would continue working with the individual despite the controversy, adding another dimension to the debate over rehabilitation, political participation and party standards.

The episode is likely to increase pressure on political parties to strengthen candidate screening procedures, particularly as Britain approaches future local and national electoral contests.

For the Conservatives, the incident also highlights the political risks of candidate selection at a time when the party is attempting to rebuild public confidence and compete with increasingly influential political rivals.