Councillor praised for response after dating app images shared

A councillor has been praised for his response after dating app images and details of him were shared on social media with calls for him to quit.

Images of North Heywood Cllr Paul O’Neill’s Grindr profile were shared yesterday with posts saying a “public figure should be more discreate with his personal life” while a second said “another Labour councillor soon to be out”.

But in a move that has received plenty of support, Cllr O’Neill responded on Facebook last night, including an image of himself enjoying a pint of Murphy’s, whose memorable slogan was “like the Murphy’s, I’m not bitter”.

Cllr O’Neill added: “It’s been brought to my attention that two people have decided to visit a gay men’s dating app I’m a member of, create an account for themselves, and then find my profile, screen shot it, and share it on social media, complete with some rather unpleasant comments.

“The reasons why those people decided to create gay dating accounts for themselves were ‘curiosity’ and ‘verifying’ that I had a profile, apparently.

“I’m glad that my photos were recent, as I’ve lost three stone since February. I’m only sorry these two characters couldn’t wait a few more weeks before invading my privacy, as I’ve just started going back to the gym, and I might have looked even more fabulous than I already did at the Manchester Pride 2026 event most of the photos are from.

“Joking aside, there are more revealing photos of many straight men and women at the beach or at the gym all over social media, I am not remotely ashamed to have a social and dating life, and it obviously affects not a jot my work as a proud ward councillor for the brilliant people of North Heywood.

“If you think I’m rubbish at being a councillor, that’s fine. But it isn’t because, like millions of other people, straight, gay and everything else, I have a profile on a dating app.

“And for the record, I’m single. Worst thing that can happen is I might get a date or two out of this, right?

“Meanwhile please get in touch with any ward issues I can help with.

“Next ward surgery will be at Recovery Republic, York Street, scheduled for 10.30am on 3rd October.

“I’ll be dressed more conservatively, promise. 😜”

Following Cllr O’Neill’s reply, Abbie Davison shared: “Got to say, you’ve handled the whole thing like a champ! 👏 x”

He also received support from fellow councillors.

Cllr Tom Besford said: “Great and classy response! Standing in solidarity with you in the face of a growing tide of bile.”

Cllr Kath Bromfield shared: “Love ya Paul! Great response 👏👏👏”

Cllr Bev Place added: “Well said Paul. Proud to call you my friend as well as a colleague.”

Mylene Cunningham said: “Shame people have nothing better to do with their time than to out an openly gay man. How embarrassing for them.”

Mark Mills New added: “They really do walk among us don’t they? Your post made me laugh out loud. You clearly do a cracking job as councillor as people clearly value your work and the impact it had on the community.”

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