'Being a parent shouldn't come at a cost in politics'

Politicians who are also parents or caregivers should be allowed to participate and vote remotely, according to a pregnant city councillor in Worcester.

Liberal Democrat Jessie Jagger said the flexibility would help attract a more diverse range of people into local politics, including those with disabilities or full-time jobs.

A legal requirement for councillors to attend meetings in person was dropped during the Covid-19 pandemic, but was reintroduced in May 2021.

At a meeting on Tuesday, city councillors unanimously backed her request for the issue to be raised in Parliament.

"Being a parent is a big undertaking, but I don't think it should come at the cost of being unable to represent the people who elected me," said Jagger, who argued parents faced practical challenges under the current rules.

"I was told I could bring my baby into the council chamber," she said.

"But then I started thinking, what if it cries, what if I can't get it to settle?"

"I could watch remotely, but I couldn't speak and I couldn't vote... I realised there are some real barriers, which could be very easily solved," she said.

At present, the 1972 Local Government Act does not permit councillors to participate unless they attend in person.

But Jagger argued the legislation could easily be amended, to give councils the flexibility to meet councillors' specific needs.

"It's not just something that benefits me. People with disabilities, people who have full-time jobs... who don't normally run for council because of these constraints," she said.

The Liberal Democrat councillor's motion called for Worcester's Labour MP Tom Collins to raise the issue in the House of Commons.

“Local politics needs to represent and reflect the experiences of communities that it serves," said Green city councillor and mother of two Katie Collier.

"Too often women - particularly those with children - are overlooked. I’m proud to second this motion."

"It's not just about looking after children, we have responsibilities to older people as well," added Green city councillor Andrew Cross.

"My mum down in Devon is 85... she had a fall and I was only just able to make it back to council in time for a meeting. If we were able to do remote meetings, there wouldn't be the pressure to have to return," he said.

While the Liberal Democrat motion was backed by all parties on the city council, some councillors raised concerns a return to remote meetings could be open to abuse.

Conservative city councillor Alan Amos warned virtual participation should only be allowed in exceptional circumstances.

"We do know from the Covid era that remote meetings do lack the proper cut and thrust required in this political arena", he said.

"People might be on holiday abroad, and this wouldn't stop them being part of the council meeting.

"Is that the right decision?"

In response, Jagger argued an amendment to legislation would allow councils to decide what circumstances were appropriate.

Last month, the minister for local government Jim McMahon MP indicated Labour would be open to reform.

"We are keen to break down barriers that prevent people from seeking to serve their communities," he said in answer to a written question by deputy Liberal Democrat leader Daisy Cooper MP.

"Allowing hybrid meetings could be a helpful step in doing that and we are keen to work with the sector to have an evidence based discussion about its merits," he added.

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