Reform UK has suffered a second resignation from St Helens Council just months after the party swept to power in the May local elections. Councillor Jennifer Gerrard, who represented the Billinge and Seneley Green ward, has stepped down from her position, triggering a by-election.
Resignation Follows Earlier Departure
Gerrard's resignation comes after newly elected Haydock councillor Stephen Mousdell quit in May, days after the election. Mousdell had been reported by the Liverpool Echo and other outlets to have previously appeared in adult films and on OnlyFans under an alias. Gerrard had been appointed to the cabinet position for culture, leisure and heritage before her departure.
St Helens Council leader George Woodward said: "We thank Jennifer for her time with the Reform Group. Billinge and Seneley Green is a ward close to Jennifer's heart and the decision to resign was not one taken lightly, but for personal reasons she felt she had to take a step back. We wish her all the best in her future endeavours."
Impact on Council Majority
While Gerrard's resignation does not affect Reform UK's large majority on the council, it leaves a vacancy in the cabinet. The party will need to appoint a replacement for the culture, leisure and heritage portfolio. Voters in Billinge and Seneley Green will now return to the polls for a by-election just weeks after electing their representative in May.
Controversies Since Taking Power
Reform UK stormed to victory in St Helens in May, reducing the Labour Party, which had controlled the council for nearly 40 years, to just two councillors. Since taking control, the party has sparked controversy. It cancelled all council funding and support for planned Refugee Week events in June and withdrew support for LGBT Pride events in the town. Additionally, another newly elected Reform councillor, Emma Beck, was found to have a prior conviction for assault by beating after shoving a woman in her 60s to the floor while working as a door supervisor at a bar.
