Reform UK councillor sacked from cabinet over 'sexualised' AI post of colleague

A Reform UK county councillor has been axed from his council's cabinet after sharing a "sexualised" AI-generated image of a colleague online. Christopher Hudson posted the image of Reform UK councillor June Mummery, depicting her in a low-cut top above a message referring to the council’s school nursing service proposal. In the mocked-up image Ms Mummery, who represents Lowestoft area on Suffolk County Council, was shown with her thumb up above a large slogan, which said: "I saved the Suffolk school nurses."

The AI-generated image was deleted shortly after being posted on X, but has sparked outcry from opposition politicians who said it brought the council into disrepute. Left, the AI image made of Suffolk county councillor June Mummery next to a previous picture of the Reform UK member. Credit: AI/ITV News Anglia Speaking to ITV News Anglia, Mr Hudson - who was Suffolk County Council's cabinet member for highways and transport - said he believed that Ms Mummery needed recognition for her work on the proposals, adding his removal from the cabinet should not "be a licence for a political witch-hunt".

He apologised for any offence caused and said he was open to an investigation being carried out. Ms Mummery has also been contacted for comment. There was significant backlash from other parties including the Greens, who said they "expressed disgust" at the image and called for a resignation. Annette Dunning, the Greens’ deputy leader, said: "The act of sharing non-consensual and sexualised AI deepfakes is a severe violation of digital safety.

"This total disrespect towards a fellow councillor brings Suffolk County Council into disrepute, and it reflects badly on us as a professional organisation and as an employer. "What message is this sending to women in public life, council employees and of course, all our female residents?" Michael Hadwen, leader of Suffolk County Council, said: “It is with regret that I announce that Christopher Hudson has been relieved of his duties as cabinet member for highways and transport with immediate effect.

"I would like to thank Mr Hudson for his hard work, dedication and service during his tenure as a cabinet member. His efforts on behalf of Suffolk residents are appreciated." Michael Hadwen, Reform UK leader of Suffolk County Council. Credit: Reform UK Suffolk County Council confirmed the removal was due to Mr Hudson’s social media activity, particularly regarding the AI photo, and was investigating complaints about the issue. Mr Hudson also previously served as leader of Reform UK in the county before the party gained power in Suffolk in May.

Conservative councillor Debbie McCallum, shadow spokesperson for communities, said: "Women should be able to take part in politics without facing degrading or disrespectful behaviour. "Women have worked hard to secure their place in public life and deserve to be treated with dignity and respect." She called for an investigation and potentially further sanctions, adding: “We need to make it clear that this kind of behaviour towards women is unacceptable and must not be tolerated.

"If Mr Hudson is no longer considered fit to serve in the cabinet, then serious questions must be asked about why he remains a member of the Reform UK Group." Mr Hudson's former cabinet role will be taken by Patti Mulcahy, a former deputy cabinet member. Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know