Councillor's six month exemption from meetings due to lung condition sparks well-wishes

A Redcar and Cleveland councillor has been granted a six month exemption from attending meetings due to his ill health.

Councillor Graham Jeffery, who represents Hutton ward, in Guisborough, last attended a meeting of the local authority on July 15.

A report for councillors said the Liberal Democrat member had been diagnosed with a lung condition and had received medical advice to avoid large gatherings on premises that used recirculated air conditioning. The report said: “This is due to issues with his immune system [which leaves him susceptible] to other illness.”

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Cllr Jeffery was said to have considered his position and was described as still being able to manage work within his ward appertaining to his role as councillor and other related responsibilities while he received treatment.

The report said his condition was regarded as a valid reason for absence and a review would take place at the end of the six months. Approval for the decision was required from the full council and granted at a meeting last week, where fellow members wished Cllr Jeffery well.

Legislation allows for the removal of councillors if they don’t attend a meeting of their authority within a set period of time, which in turn would trigger a by-election.

There is recent precedence at the council for members to be exempted from meetings because of ill health. In 2021 former Teesville independent Councillor David Fisher was granted a six month exemption after a period off following approval by the authority.

Councillors in this category still continue to receive a basic allowance. Cllr Jeffery has previously switched political allegiances while on Redcar and Cleveland Council having sat as both a Conservative and independent.

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