Stephen Mousdell, who was recently elected as a local council member in Haydock, near Liverpool, has stepped down from his post. The resignation came shortly after media reports revealed his side career as a gay adult content creator under the alias Lachlan Taylor.
Mousdell represented Reform UK, a right-wing populist party led by Brexit figurehead Nigel Farage. The party, known for its strict anti-immigration and "anti-woke" platform, has a track record that is often seen as hostile to LGBTQ+ rights. For context, some Reform UK-led councils have previously banned the flying of the Pride flag on public buildings, making Mousdell's position within the party notable.
The Revelation
The story was first reported by British broadcaster LBC, which uncovered Mousdell's X (formerly Twitter) and OnlyFans accounts. Under the name Lachlan Taylor, he described himself as a "gay p*rnstar and DJ" and posted explicit content, often with his partner. While he used an alias, Mousdell had not gone to great lengths to conceal his identity.
Initially, a spokesperson for Reform UK defended him, stating, "What consenting adults do in their private lives is their own business," and adding that the electorate was aware of his lifestyle before the election. However, the media attention and internal pressure appeared to mount.
'Proud of What I Do'
In a statement posted to Facebook, Mousdell confirmed his resignation, citing "immense pressures from the media, from individuals within the town hall, from certain parties and individuals."
Crucially, he refused to disavow his work. "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," he wrote.
"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 concluded by thanking his supporters and Reform UK, but noted, "It is a shame that my profession doesn’t fit in with the standards to become councillor in the St Helens Town Hall."
The incident raises questions about privacy, the scrutiny faced by public officials, and the often-uncomfortable position of queer individuals within right-wing political movements. While his political affiliation may be at odds with many in the LGBTQ+ community, Mousdell's unapologetic stance on his identity and profession has become the central point of the story.
