Council Chairman Quits After Historic Social Media Posts Emerge
Written by HFM News on 11th June 2026
The chairman of North Northamptonshire Council has resigned after historic social media posts containing offensive comments were brought to light.
Reform UK member Maurice Eglin stepped down from the role with immediate effect following an investigation by news outlet NN Journal.
The probe uncovered a series of posts made on X, formerly Twitter, before he was elected as a councillor in May 2025 and before he joined Reform UK. The posts reportedly included comments described as Islamophobic, supportive of far-right groups and critical of transgender people.
Cllr Maurice Eglin
In a statement announcing his resignation, Cllr Eglin admitted being “guilty” of acting as a “keyboard warrior” and said some of the comments were things he “would not post today”.
He said: “Looking back, I deeply regret some of the comments and content I shared online during that period.
“The language used in some of those posts was wrong and does not reflect the person I strive to be today.
“I would like to offer my sincere and unreserved apologies to anyone who has been hurt by those posts. If I could take them back, I would.”
Councillor Eglin said he had decided to step down in order to protect the integrity of the chairman’s office, describing the role as a “tremendous honour”.
Council leader Martin Griffiths, Cllr Eglin and NNC Chief Executive Adele Wylie
Leader of the council and Reform UK group leader Martin Griffiths said stepping aside was the right decision.
He said the comments did not reflect the standards expected of someone holding a senior civic position and added that the council remained committed to ensuring all residents felt respected and represented.
A successor has yet to be announced, but while Councillor Eglin has stepped down as chairman, he will remain a member of the council and continue representing residents in his ward.
A council spokesperson said: “The resignation of the Chair of the Council, Cllr Maurice Eglin has been received and acknowledged by the authority. Cllr Eglin will continue to serve as a councillor serving the Barton Seagrave and Burton Latimer ward.
“A new appointment to the role of Chair of the Council will be made at the next meeting of Council on Thursday, June 25.”
