Reform UK councillor resigns days after election over Onlyfans past

A newly elected Reform UK councillor has resigned less than a week after winning his seat, citing “immense pressure” following revelations about his past work in adult films.

Stephen Mousdell, who was elected in the Haydock ward on St Helens Council on 8 May, said he had not been in the “right mental state” after his pornographic work became public, BBC reports.

He said he was asked to “apologise” and stop the work in order to remain in office, but refused, stating: “I have done no wrongdoing.” He added: “There is no shame of it and I am proud to be a gay individual in this community”.

In his resignation statement, Mousdell said there is “no suggestion that Mousdell has broken any laws” and that he had complied with social media policies and the UK Online Safety Act in his online activity and on the subscription platform 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.”

He also spoke about the personal toll on his partner, saying: “However, he said his partner was ‘my soul mate and my rock’.”

Reform UK criticised the decision, saying: “a sad state of affairs that a media witch hunt has hounded an elected official out of office because of his private life”.

Former Labour councillor Bisi Osundeko, who lost the seat to Reform UK, said in a social media post that the issue was not about sexuality or private life, but about public accessibility of the content.

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

A St Helens Council spokesperson confirmed receipt of the resignation, adding that a “notice of vacancy” had been issued and a by-election process would be triggered once two electors formally request it.

By Sabina Mammadli