Leicestershire residents “deserve better” – that’s according to one councillor after a number of council officials were caught watching a World Cup game during an important meeting.

Pictures have been obtained showing leading councillors watching the England vs DR Congo match during Leicestershire County Council’s full council meeting last Wednesday (July 1).

The picture shows opposition leader Deborah Taylor watching what appears to be the World Cup clash, alongside Cllr Bryan Lovegrove, who represents the Melton district, with their phones behind their laptops or beside them.

At one point in the meeting, Cllr Lovegrove can be seen looking down, before placing his phone landscape below his laptop, then looking behind him during discussions on an important SEND motion.

During the full council meeting, a number of important motions were heard, including a motion on providing more transparency on asylum HMOs as well as a motion on SEND services, police funding and bus services in Wigston.

Cllr Michael Charlesworth, independent councillor who put forward the Wigston bus service motion, said it was the “biggest motion” he put to the council in 20 years and was one of the “biggest issues” affecting the people of Wigston.

He said: “I appreciate that England kicked off at 5pm, but I’m disappointed that members were not giving the debate the full attention it deserved.

“This shows a lack of respect for other councillors, the motion itself and residents affected by this issue”.

The pictures were forwarded to Cllr Taylor, who admitted they were taken during the final motion.

She said: “The World Cup is every four years. I am a patriot and support our football team.

“Many members left the chamber. I remained and was fully engaged in the debate. The football was on in the background to watch the score as many members were.

“I make no apology for supporting England”.

The LDRS contacted Cllr Lovegrove, who insisted that he was not watching the game during the SEND motion – which recognised the important role that SEND services play in supporting vulnerable children across the county.

He added: “I take my county council role very seriously, particularly when SEND is being discussed.

“My recollection is that I was 100 per cent engaged with the SEND motion. I am very passionate about it”.

Other councillors who called their actions “disrespectful”.

Michael Mullaney, Liberal Democrat leader at the county council, said: “Many people would have been at work on a Wednesday afternoon and would have had to wait to watch the match later. This should have been the case for councillors”.

Written by Chris Harper (Local Democracy Reporter)