Claims that councillors should not have babies in their arms during meetings has been criticised by a Burntwood councillor.
Cllr Derick Cross suggested that online meetings of full council were not appropriate going forward.
In an email to councillors, the Conservative representative for Alrewas and Fradley ward, said the members needed to “not be seen dressed sloppy in the garden or toy strewn room, baby in our arms”.
But his comments have drawn criticism from Labour’s Cllr Rob Birch who said Cllr Cross’ position was “archaic”.
“As one of the councillors who has been involved in meetings where a fellow councillor had a child in their arms, I say well done to them for not letting the rigours and demands of family life interfere with their role as an active councillor.
“We are elected to represent the views of our communities when decisions are being made and our communities include parents and working people not just elderly out of touch people in suits who appear to have no understanding of modern working practices nor the value equality and diversity brings.
“The most successful businesses in this modern world during the midst of COVID-19 are those which embrace agility and flexibility.
“Instead of putting up barriers to inclusion they remove them.
“We should be encouraging engagement and inclusion for all as we can then ensure good decision making where the views of all sectors of society are taken into account.
“Such an archaic, mysoginistic view has no place in any council I wish to be involved in and appears to be completely at odds with the views previously expressed by the council leader, Cllr Doug Pullen.
“Thankfully there are others who appear to be more progressive and inclusive.”
Cllr Rob Birch, Lichfield District Council
“Caring for their newborn child”
Meetings of the council have seen Cabinet member Cllr Liz Little have her child with her for parts of the session.
Cllr Birch added:
“The presence of a babe in arms had not one single negative impact on the meetings I have been part of and I look forward to seeing the youngest observer of our meetings making further appearences in future.
“These comments clearly refer to two councillors in particular who have recently become parents.
“While I differ in my political views to theirs, they have my 100% support in the efforts they have made to continue their council work whilst caring for their newborn child.”
Cllr Rob Birch, Lichfield District Council
Archaic or not, I think its good to see most of our elected members dressing appropriately for the meeting.
Well said, Rob. I thought the original comments from Councillor Cross were unbelievable. I had to check my calendar, to make sure that it wasn’t 1 April, as I thought this was a spoof April Fool from Alan Partridge! On a more serious note, I would hope that there are no other Councillors from any political party who share these outdated views. Indeed, I really do think that Councillor Cross does need to consider his position, certainly as Vice-Chairman, if not as a Councillor!
Colin I think you will find that most voters want to be represented by people who respect their position not trying to child mind whilst doing the job. I suppose that using your system when the council starts to sit in chamber again it will be ok for babies and small children to be there running about.
Lots of people are working from home and managing childcare. Cllr Cross shows that truly there is no fool like an old fool.
I think what Mike is trying to say is there is clearly some very old ways set within Cllr Cross’ views & would probably comment on a child crying hungry in the background too. However in our current situation, child care is unbelievably difficult to get. And properly dressed? Are you aware more than half of those people probably had pyjamas on their bottom halves!? They’re at home 90% of the time so one video conference isn’t an event to go stick on a suit when its just more washing to add to your never ending list of things to do being a parent? Please get out of the 1950s. Its 2020. Parents who represent their district are incredible people. & selfless at that. You should be praising them!