Redditch Pride respond to Reform mayor's apology for social media posts

Redditch Pride organisers have responded after Reform UK councillor Sue Eacock, the Mayor of Redditch, issued a public apology for a series of historical social media posts in which she appears to criticise Black, Asian and LGBTQ+ communities. Eacock issued her apology at a full council meeting, saying she was sorry to the people she has offended with her words and adding that taking on a role in public office had been a “steep learning curve”.

Cllr Eacock was called out by residents, many of whom called for her resignation, after posts from X (formerly Twitter), published between 2022 and 2025 before she was elected, resurfaced.

Two members of the LGBTQ+ community attended the council meeting to formally question Eacock at the start of proceedings. They described her X posts "divisive" and asked her to explain them.

The posts were published to to a now seemingly suspended account @SusanEacock

During the full council meeting Cllr Eacock 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.

"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.

"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."

Eacock’s apology has been accepted by the Conservative and Labour groups on Redditch Borough Council, and the organisers of the town's Pride events.

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 reportedly also agreed to attend an upcoming talk on LGBTQ+ history, which will take place at Redditch Library.