New Reform councillor who made adult films quits

A Reform UK councillor has resigned within a week of being elected over the "immense pressure" he has faced since it emerged he had appeared in adult films.

Stephen Mousdell won in the Haydock ward on St Helens Council on 8 May, but said he had not been in the "right mental state" after his pornographic work came to light.

He said he had been told to "apologise" and stop the work to remain a councillor, but had refused because he had "done no wrongdoing", adding: "There is no shame of it and I am proud to be a gay individual in this community".

Reform UK said it was "a sad state of affairs that a media witch hunt has hounded an elected official out of office because of his private life".

There is no suggestion that Mousdell has broken any laws and he said in his resignation statement that he had complied with social media policies and the UK Online Safety Act in his postings on social media and on paid subscription website OnlyFans.

"Recently, things have come out with regard to myself and my partner," he said.

"We have always been transparent about it and not ashamed of what we do."

However, he said his partner was "my soul mate and my rock".

"I can't put him through any more pain than I already have as it is completely not fair. I love him for standing by me even when times was getting difficult."

He said he was grateful for the support given by both the local and national party, adding that it was "a shame that my profession doesn't fit in with the standards to become councillor in the St Helens Town Hall".

Former Labour councillor Bisi Osundeko, who lost her seat in the Parr ward to Reform, said in a social media post that the "concern" was not related to Mousdell's sexuality or private life, but was due to the content being "posted publicly on a platform that is easily accessible to children and young people".

"Councillors are expected to uphold the Nolan Principles of Public Life, including integrity, accountability, and leadership," she said.

"They also serve as corporate parents, with a duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of vulnerable children and young people in our community."

The Reform spokesperson said what had happened to Mousdell was unacceptable.

"No wonder ordinary, law-abiding, working people are put off from standing for public office," they added.

A council spokesperson confirmed the authority had "received a resignation from Stephen Mousdell".

They added that a "notice of vacancy" had been posted and "once two registered electors request a by-election, this will start the process to elect a new member to St Helens Borough Council in this ward".

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