Reform mayor apologises for social media posts

The mayor of Redditch has issued a public apology for a series of historical social media posts showing her criticising black, Asian and LGBT communities.

Reform UK councillor Sue Eacock told a full council meeting she was sorry to people she offended, added she had learnt lessons from the backlash - and said coming into public office had been a "steep learning curve."

Eacock came under fire for her remarks on X, including one where she suggested there were too many black performers at the Queen's Platinum Jubilee concert.

Her apology was accepted by the Conservative and Labour groups on Redditch Borough Council, as well as the organisers of the town's Pride festival.

Some residents had called upon her to resign for her posts, which were published between 2022 and 2025, before she was elected.

Speaking in a full council meeting, she said: "I understand that some of my social media posts have caused concern, and that they may have upset or offended people in our community.

"I am sorry that they've caused hurt or offence to anyone - I want to respond to you honestly."

Eacock was elected to Worcestershire County Council last year, and Redditch Borough Council this year for Reform.

She also told the meeting the posts were made during a "difficult" time in her life, during which she lost her husband, but said it was "not an excuse".

"I accept I was not as careful with my words as I should have been - coming into public office has been a steep learning curve," she said.

"I understand now, in a way that I perhaps did not appreciate before, how much words matter and how they can land with people.

"Throughout my life I've always lived in and worked with diverse, multicultural communities - and I've always tried to treat people with respect and dignity, whatever their background.

"If any of my posts gave a different impression, I'm sorry for that - because it is not who I am, nor how I serve, nor how I wish to be."

After her remarks councillor Sharon Harvey, the Labour group leader, said she wished it had been made sooner, but said she accepted her "heartfelt" apology.

Tory leader councillor Matt Dormer also said he wished it had come sooner but said her apology was sincere.

"I've spoken with her at length and I know that was a heartfelt apology, because she's also said the same things to me," he said.

Two members of the LGBT community attended the council meeting to formally question Eacock at the start of proceedings, where they called her X posts "divisive" and asked her to explain them.

After the meeting Jamie Freemantle, organiser of Redditch Pride, said: "We appreciate the mayor's apology and accept it in the spirit it was offered.

"We hope this marks the beginning of a positive working relationship.

"Our focus has always been on education, inclusion and bringing the community together, and we hope we can continue to work constructively for the benefit of everyone."

Eacock has also agreed to attend an upcoming talk on the history of the LGBTQ+ community at Redditch Library.

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