A newly elected Reform UK councillor has resigned after it was revealed that he is also a gay adult performer, though the party publicly defended him, saying: “He has not broken the law.”
Stephen Mousdell was elected as councillor for Haydock in St Helens, but it was later revealed that he also performs under the name “Lachlan Taylor UK” on OnlyFans.
Videos shared online allegedly show him having hardcore sex, with some reportedly filmed in public.
Mousdell has since resigned from his role as councillor.
“I am, who I am”
Speaking to LBC, which exposed his online persona, Mousdell said he and his partner had always been open about their adult work.
“Recently, things have come out with regard to myself and my partner. We have always been transparent about it and not ashamed of what we do. We have full time jobs and also have adult professions, in which we abide by all EU and UK laws. We have never broken any laws or put anything into dispute. We also follow high standards in which we follow social media community guidelines and also keeping up to date with the ever changing UK online safety act.”
He said the pressure surrounding the revelation had made his position untenable.
“It is with sincere regret I am resigning as Reform councillor for Haydock Ward. This is due to the immense pressures from the media, from individuals within the town hall, from certain parties and individuals who were not elected as councillor over a conflict of interest with regards to being a public figure in office and doing the adult profession.
“I was told to apologise to the public and stop doing what I was doing if I was in for a chance of staying being a councillor but I refused because I have done no wrong doing and I’m not lying just to stay in office. I am, who I am. I’m proud of what I do, there is no shame of it and I am proud to be a gay individual in this community.”
Mousdell thanked Reform UK for the “great opportunity” and said other councillors he had met, “regardless of party”, had been “lovely people” who “deserve full respect”.
Reform UK defended Mousdell
His resignation comes after Reform UK appeared to publicly support him, though Mousdell’s own statement suggests there may have been pressure behind the scenes.
A Reform UK spokesperson said: “While Cllr Mousdell’s lifestyle choices may not be to everyone’s taste, he has not broken the law. What consenting adults do in their private lives is their own business.
“The electorate were fully aware of Cllr Mousdell’s lifestyle choices weeks before the election and still decided to elect Stephen as their councillor.
“Cllr Mousdell is an asset to his local community, even receiving the St Helens Mayor’s Good Citizen Award for his services to the borough.”
The case has sparked wider discussion about sex work, public office, privacy, and the double standards often faced by LGBTQ+ people in politics.
