A local elections advocate affiliated with the Reform political movement, whose tanning salon was visited by Nigel Farage, has expressed admiration for Adolf Hitler, according to recent revelations. Aaron Taylor, a prospective candidate and former branch treasurer, openly praised the Nazi leader and denied the reality of the Holocaust. The 33-year-old, seen alongside Reform’s Robert Jenrick, shared online content glorifying Hitler and even used the phrase “heil Hitler.” These concerning posts were flagged by the anti-racism organization HOPE Not Hate (HNH).
Upon being confronted at his salon in Jaywick, Taylor, situated in Farage’s Clacton constituency, issued an apology, acknowledging his expulsion from the party. He attributed his offensive remarks to potential inebriation, stating, “I genuinely apologize.” The incident has raised questions about Reform’s stance on such extreme views within its ranks, with Joe Mulhall of HNH emphasizing the necessity of expelling individuals like Taylor.
Despite projecting a positive image as a dedicated Reform volunteer, Taylor’s online activities revealed a stark contrast. Past social media posts under the handle “@the_jackal123” exhibited consistent support for Hitler and white supremacist ideologies. Taylor’s association with Reform included serving as treasurer for the Harwich and north Essex branch, and he was recently involved in promoting the party’s activities.
Taylor’s controversial remarks have led to his removal from Reform, as confirmed by the party. Although he initially sought candidacy, he was ultimately rejected after failing vetting procedures. In light of the evidence presented by HNH, Taylor expressed regret for his offensive statements and distanced himself from his previous online content.