Councillor who nodded off during meeting says he has health problems

COUNCILLOR NODS OFF DURING ZOOM MEETING AND MISSES VOTE

A sleepy Leicestershire County Councillor missed a vote when he nodded off during a Zoom meeting.

Tory councillor Byron Rhodes fell asleep just before a vote was taken on a public health strategy during Tuesday’s online cabinet meeting.

The 78-year-old has since said he has taken it as a sign that he has served his time, and will not be seeking re-election in the local elections on May 6.

He has served as a councillor of some sort for the past 42 years.

A clip of the video-call meeting shows councillors asked to indicate approval for a scheme to tackle obesity by raising their hands.

Coun Rhodes can be seen clearly struggling to stay awake, despite a prompt from meeting chairman and council leader, Nick Rushton.

In the video of the meeting, Coun Rushton says: “All in favour.”

Coun Rhodes glances down at his papers, closes his eyes, then drops his head.

Coun Rushton then says: “Byron?” When there is there is no response, Coun Rushton says: “Oh dear.”

He was the only meeting member who did not raise his hand.

Leader of the county council’s Liberal Democrat opposition, Simon Galton, said: “It’s important for elected councillors to pay attention to what is going on in meetings, especially ones as vital as those concerning public health.

“I don’t think the public would look kindly on one of their elected representatives nodding off, but I feel sorry for Byron and I am sure he was very tired. It happens.”

Coun Rhodes said: “I was very tired, but I hold my hand up to it. It shouldn’t have happened. I apologise.

“This has made me realise that it is time for me to go.

“I will not seeking re-election at the local council elections on May 6.

“I have some health problems and it’s time to put my health before public service.”

Coun Rhodes, who lives near Melton, is a councillor for the Belvoir division of the county council.

He has devoted the past four decades to public service, and for the past 24 years has served on the county council.

He was first elected to public office in 1979 on the Clawson, Hose and Harby Parish Council and served for 20 years.

He also served on Melton Borough Council from 2003 to 2019 and was leader for five years.

He is the current county cabinet lead member for finance and resources. Previously he led on community safety, trading standards and planning. From 2001 to 2010 he was a member of the Police Authority and served as chairman for five years from 2005.

“I have had a great run but it is time to go,” he said.

“It has been very satisfying to serve people. It’s up to others to say whether I did that a good job or not.”