Reform UK council chairman resigns after offensive social media posts from 'keyboard warrior' days revealed

His resignation follows an investigation by NN Journal who uncovered a series of offensive tweets he made on X most recently in June 2024.

Admitting he was ‘guilty’ of being a ‘keyboard warrior’ he admitted he had made comments he ‘would not post today’.

Although he has resigned as NNC chairman, Cllr Eglin confirmed he would continue as a councillor in the Barton Seagrave and Burton Latimer ward.

In a statement, Cllr Eglin said: “I have today resigned as chairman of North Northamptonshire Council with immediate effect.

“This follows the emergence of social media posts that I shared before I was elected as a councillor and before I joined Reform UK.

“I have served King and Country and, over the years, developed some very strong views about the state of our nation.

“Looking back, I deeply regret some of the comments and content I shared online during that period.

“At the time, I was often guilty of being a keyboard warrior and posting things that I would not post today.

“My time as a councillor has taught me to think more critically before reacting, be more objective and look at the detail first.

“Since becoming an elected member, I have had the privilege of working with and for people from all walks of life, backgrounds, faiths and beliefs. Those experiences have broadened my perspective and challenged some of my assumptions.

“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.

“For that reason, and in order to protect the office of the chairman, I have taken the decision to step down from the role with immediate effect.

“Serving as chairman has been a tremendous honour and I remain committed to serving the residents of North Northamptonshire as a councillor.”

Cllr Eglin’s resignation was accepted by NNC leader Cllr Martin Griffiths, who said language used in the tweets did not reflect ‘the standards expected of those holding senior civic positions’.

Cllr Griffiths, leader of North Northamptonshire Council, said: “Cllr Maurice Eglin has informed the council that he has resigned as chairman of North Northamptonshire Council with immediate effect.

“This decision follows the emergence of social media posts made before Councillor Eglin was elected to public office.

“While these comments pre-date his time as a councillor, the language used does not reflect the standards expected of those holding senior civic positions.

“Following discussions with Councillor Eglin, it was agreed that stepping aside from the chairmanship was the right course of action to protect the integrity of the role and maintain public confidence in the council and office of chairman.

“North Northamptonshire is home to people from many different backgrounds, faiths and communities. As an administration, we are committed to building positive relationships across all parts of our community and ensuring that every resident feels respected and represented.

“Our focus remains on serving all residents of North Northamptonshire fairly, respectfully and without prejudice. We will continue working constructively with community groups, faith organisations and local residents to build a stronger and more united North Northamptonshire.”

Cllr Eglin was elected to NNC in May 2025 and served a year as deputy chairman of the council.