Full Breakdown
Controversial Figures in Reform UK: Aaron Taylor and Emma Clatworthy
4/16/2026, 1:22:45 AM
Aaron Taylor's Extremist Views and Party Response
Aaron Taylor, a former local elections campaigner for Reform UK, has come under scrutiny for sharing extremist views, including support for Adolf Hitler and Holocaust denial. Taylor, who previously served as treasurer for the Harwich and North Essex branch of Reform UK, posted inflammatory content on social media, including a now-deleted tweet that stated, “The greatest deception of all time is that the nazis we’re [sic] evil and the holocaust was real.” His posts were uncovered by the anti-racism group HOPE Not Hate (HNH), which highlighted the troubling nature of his comments.
Following the revelation of his posts, Taylor was confronted at his tanning salon in Jaywick, where he expressed remorse, stating, “I genuinely apologise.” He claimed he had been “removed” from the party and suggested that his comments were made while under the influence of alcohol. Despite his apology, HNH's director of research, Joe Mulhall, criticized the presence of such extreme views within the party, questioning why someone like Taylor felt aligned with Reform UK.
Party Dynamics and Taylor's Involvement
Taylor had actively campaigned for Reform UK, often referring to party leader Nigel Farage as “the big boss.” He shared images of Farage visiting his salon and expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming local elections. However, he confirmed that he had been removed from his role as treasurer and claimed he had canceled his membership rather than being expelled. Taylor's history of posting extremist content raises concerns about the vetting processes within Reform UK, as he was reportedly rejected as a candidate after failing to meet the party's standards.
Emma Clatworthy's Controversial Statements
In addition to Taylor's case, Emma Clatworthy, another candidate for Reform UK, has faced backlash for promoting conspiracy theories and making derogatory comments about the late Queen Elizabeth II. Clatworthy, who is running in South Wales, referred to the Queen as a “fraud” and claimed that people cannot catch viruses, echoing sentiments often associated with anti-vaccine rhetoric. Her statements have drawn criticism from various quarters, including HNH, which described her history of voicing dangerous conspiracy theories as disappointing.
Clatworthy defended her past comments, stating they were made during a period of exploration and that she has since distanced herself from those views. She emphasized her commitment to serving the public fairly and thoughtfully as a candidate.
Official Statements and Responses
Reform UK has distanced itself from both Taylor and Clatworthy. A spokesperson confirmed that Taylor is no longer a member of the party and that he was rejected as a candidate. The party has not issued a formal statement regarding Clatworthy's controversial remarks but has faced scrutiny for selecting candidates with problematic histories.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
There are discrepancies regarding the nature of Taylor's departure from Reform UK. While he claims to have canceled his membership, party sources indicate that he was rejected during the candidate vetting process. Additionally, Clatworthy's comments about the Queen and COVID-19 have sparked debate about the party's stance on such issues.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I genuinely apologise.” — Aaron Taylor
- “HNH’s director of research Joe Mulhall said: “We have become used to finding extreme and unacceptable Reform activists.” — Joe Mulhall, Director of Research, HOPE Not Hate
- “I made a conscious decision to step away from those spaces.” — Emma Clatworthy
The controversies surrounding Aaron Taylor and Emma Clatworthy highlight ongoing challenges within Reform UK regarding candidate vetting and the management of extremist views.
