Reform UK Councillor Stephen Mousdell's Pornographic Career Sparks Debate After Election

Stephen Mousdell won the Haydock ward seat on St Helens Council in Thursday’s local elections, receiving 1,331 votes. His victory contributed to Reform UK’s overall gain of 34 seats, giving the party a decisive majority and ending Labour’s control.

Liverpool Echo

The election marked a shift in Merseyside politics, with Nigel Farage’s Reform UK achieving a town-wide sweep. Control of the council now rests with Reform UK, increasing scrutiny of its elected officials. The sweep left Labour with only a few seats on the council.

Liverpool Echo

Councillor Mousdell also appears online as “Lachlan Taylor UK,” featuring in pornographic videos on sites such as Pornhub and ManSurfer and promoting an OnlyFans page via his X profile. Reform UK, which nominated him, has defended his conduct, stating no law has been broken.

Liverpool Echo

Mousdell secured 1,331 votes; Reform UK now holds 34 of the council’s seats, while Labour has been largely eliminated.

Liverpool Echo

Reform UK issued a statement that Mousdell’s private activities with consenting adults do not constitute illegal behavior. The party noted that voters were aware of his lifestyle before the election and highlighted his receipt of the St Helens Mayor’s Good Citizen Award.

Liverpool Echo

Online commentators, including the Reform Party UK Exposed account, criticized the timing of Mousdell’s pornographic postings, calling them “not a very good look” during an election campaign. The account pointed to his locked X profile and the presence of hardcore material, suggesting the content undermines public confidence in elected officials.

Liverpool Echo

• “the electorate were fully aware of Cllr Mousdell's lifestyle choices weeks before the election and still decided to elect Stephen” — Reform UK spokesperson

Liverpool Echo

• “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. Article continues below” — Reform UK party spokesman

Liverpool Echo

• “We're celebrating Reform UK's first hardcore porn star councillor Stephen Mousdell being elected in Haydock, St Helens.” — Reform Party UK Exposed account

Liverpool Echo

The controversy raises questions about standards voters expect of local representatives and how parties address personal conduct that, while legal, may affect public perception. The episode occurs as Reform UK consolidates council power, illustrating the tension between private adult activity and public expectations of elected officials.

Liverpool Echo