Jack Aaron, the man currently in charge of vetting candidates for Reform UK ahead of the next general election, is facing intense scrutiny after his past controversial comments came to light.
The individual, who previously ran as the party’s candidate for Welwyn Hatfield in the last election, has publicly praised Adolf Hitler, calling him “brilliant” in the way he inspired action.
In addition to this shocking statement, Aaron has also referred to Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad as “gentle by nature” and defended Russia’s use of force in Ukraine, claiming it was “legitimate.”
Aaron Defends His Remarks Using Psychological Theory
Aaron’s opinions first became known during his election campaign, where he attempted to defend his comments by suggesting they were part of a psychological framework.
He explained that his views on dictators were rooted in the pseudoscientific concept of socionics, a personality theory claiming there are 16 personality types.
According to Aaron, his comments about Hitler and other controversial figures were a way of understanding how certain personality types can shape history.
Despite the uproar these statements caused, Aaron was appointed head of vetting for Reform UK.
His job involves reviewing prospective candidates’ social media content and advising them on what should be deleted to ensure the party’s image remains intact.
This comes after more than 100 candidates were either fired or removed for making offensive or racist comments.
Party’s Response and Aaron’s Personal Background
In response to the backlash, a spokesperson for Reform UK explained that Aaron is Jewish, with his grandfather having escaped Vienna as a refugee.
Many of his family members were victims of Hitler’s regime, adding another layer of complexity to his praise for the dictator.
The spokesperson further clarified that the party does not disclose details about its vetting process or the individuals involved.
Despite the controversy surrounding his views, Aaron continues to hold a prominent position within Reform UK.
His professional background is diverse, including roles as a business psychologist, coach, relationship counsellor, and matchmaker.
He also founded the World Socionics Society, a group focused on promoting the socionics theory.
Past Comments and Their Repercussions
Aaron’s controversial comments did not stop at Hitler. After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, he stated that those who labeled Vladimir Putin as “insane” failed to understand his motivations, which he argued were legitimate.
Aaron also shared on Reddit that he believed Assad was “gentle by nature” and not the “bloodthirsty tyrant” he was often portrayed as in the media.
He suggested that the Syrian dictator had been unfairly stereotyped due to social biases.
As more details of Aaron’s past comments emerge, there is growing concern about the kind of messages he will allow candidates to promote under his watch.
While Reform UK has yet to officially comment on these issues, the controversy is raising questions about the party’s vetting standards as it prepares for the upcoming general election.