Nigel Farage’s Reform UK has appointed Alan Mendoza, executive director of the Henry Jackson Society (HJS), as its chief advisor on global affairs. This move has ignited significant controversy, given HJS’s reputation as a polarizing think tank. Critics, including its own founders, have labeled HJS as a ‘monstrous animal’ and a ‘racist organisation,’ particularly for its anti-Muslim stance and neoconservative policies. Mendoza, a former Conservative councillor, recently defected to Reform, a party known for its anti-immigrant rhetoric and rising popularity in national polls. His appointment signals a potential shift in Reform’s foreign policy, which may align with HJS’s hardline approach to Islamist extremism and strong pro-Israel stance. HJS has long advocated for banning Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization and has funded Tory MPs to attend pro-Israel conferences. Mendoza’s past statements, including opposition to allowing Palestinian students’ dependents into the UK and criticism of the government’s handling of radical Islam, further underscore his controversial views. This appointment comes amid broader scrutiny of Reform UK, with Farage himself facing allegations of racist behavior during his youth. The party has also been accused of ’embracing racism’ following the hiring of Matthew Goodwin, who has made contentious remarks about immigrant integration. Reform UK’s alignment with figures like Mendoza and Goodwin raises questions about its ideological trajectory and its appeal to a broader electorate.