A councilor from North Wales has defended herself against accusations of falling asleep during a council meeting, stating that she closed her eyes to give them a rest. Bernice McLoughlin, a councilor from Towyn, was recorded on camera closing her eyes and leaning back during a Conwy County Council meeting discussing education and skills in Colwyn Bay. The video was anonymously shared on social media.
McLoughlin, who was attending the meeting remotely, criticized the anonymous posting of the footage as “cowardly.” She explained that she was watching the hybrid meeting from home and needed to rest her eyes due to eyestrain from using both her iPad and laptop to follow the proceedings.
The councilor acknowledged that she sometimes closes her eyes during council meetings to rest them and emphasized that it does not affect her mental presence in the meeting. McLoughlin expressed surprise at the minimal attention the incident received and noted the support she received from constituents and fellow councilors.
Despite not being a member of the education and skills committee and not being required to attend the meeting, McLoughlin faced a discussion with the council regarding the rules for virtual meeting participation. The council reminded her to comply with the policies and protocols for remote committee attendance.
McLoughlin joined Conwy Council as a councilor in May 2022.