Don’t be put off being a councillor

DEAR Editor, It is a great pity that a Birmingham City Council debate aimed at encouraging more women into politics, generated the kind of lurid headlines which are likely to have the opposite effect.

Whilst Cllr Brennan’s experiences during her first six months as a councillor were extremely unpleasant and clearly upset her greatly, I would hate your readers to think they happen to everyone who goes into Local Government. There are many women who have been councillors for years who have never experienced that kind of abuse.

Cllr Brennan said she wanted to see “more girls” on the city council. I agree, but let me assure your readers there is plenty of room for older women too. I entered the council by winning my seat in Edgbaston when I was aged 47. By the time the next council elections are held, I will have served 23 years. So a lengthy career is still possible even if you don’t begin until middle age.

Indeed, those who have already forged a successful career in another field can bring invaluable knowledge and experience to the debating chamber. There are many reasons why women might want to become a councillor, for example to try and improve their area, to make changes to a service where they perceive problems or where they have in-depth knowledge as a service user, or maybe simply because they want to be an elected representative of the political party they support. We all have a different backstory.

Women of all ages and backgrounds clearly have a great deal to offer local government and I sincerely hope more Birmingham women will choose to become councillors in the future. It would be extremely sad if anyone was put off by last week’s headlines when many women have found being a councillor to be a hugely rewarding, interesting and enjoyable experience. Cllr Deirdre Alden (Conservative Edgbaston), Birmingham City Council