A ROW has broken out over whether Lancashire County Council is doing enough to encourage a more diverse range of elected representatives within its ranks.

The opposition Labour group has called for County Hall to commit to “improving diversity in democracy”, including by encouraging people from sections of society that are currently under-represented in local government  – like women, ethnic minority communities and the young – to stand for election.

But the ruling Tory group rejected the motion, arguing the make-up of the council chamber was largely in the hands of voters and political parties – not the county council as an institution in itself.

Tory members also said the authority was doing all that it had within its limited powers to promote diversity among its 84 members.

County Cllr Samara Barnes, (Lab, Rossendale West), said prior to her first election, she did not think “people like me” could become politicians.

She added: “I was a single mum. I lived on a council estate, I’ve got a broad accent…39 tattoos, a nose ring and I pretty much only ever wear Doc Martens.  But those are exactly the reasons why it was a good thing I got into politics.

“I represent a group of people who didn’t think they had the right to have their voices heard – people who have things done to them and not with them  But now my residents see someone who is like them and feel comfortable to ask for help

County Cllr Jean Parr said anyone looking at those occupying benches in the county council chamber would “ask questions” – particularly about the number of female and ethnic minority county councillors.

“In politics, as in life, experience is just as important as knowledge,” she added, insisting diversity among decision-makers was key to making better policies.

But Tory County Cllr Sue Whittam, said it was “impossible for a group of 84 people to be a perfect reflection of the communities we all serve”.

“These decisions about the selection of candidates are made by political groups and others outside of this organisation,” she added.

County Cllr Whittam also said County Hall already does “significant work to encourage diverse groups of people to stand for election” – including by ensuring councillors receive support if they are subject to harassment after taking up their seats and by providing training on equalities legislation and tailored help for disabled members.

There are currently 54 male members of Lancashire County Council – 64 percent of the total.  Within the political groups, 37 out of 48 Tory members are men, whereas men make up less than half of the Labour group – 15 out of 32.

The only two Liberal Democrat members are male and the sole Green Party representative is female.

Labour's Lizzi Collinge said when she was elected in 2016, she was repeatedly mistaken for a council worker rather than someone who had won a seat.

“It’s very telling that a professional woman in her mid-30s was not seen as a councillor,” she said.

Colleague County Cllr Erica Lewis, said while official council meetings were required by law to be in person – after a brief suspension of those rules for the pandemic – there were many unofficial gatherings for which more flexible arrangements could be made.