United Kingdom - October 14, 2024

In an unprecedented blend of civic duty and pastoral responsibilities, Father Malcolm Lane, a Conservative councillor and priest, found himself in the peculiar position of participating in a Monmouthshire County Council meeting via video link while driving to officiate a funeral. This occurred during a discussion on dental services at the council meeting on Monday, October 14.

The scene unfolded when Councillor Armand Watts, the meeting's chairman, inquired with concern, "Malcolm, I’ve just got an observation here, are you driving?" Councillor Lane, visibly driving and using his phone's camera for the video feed, confirmed he was en route to conduct a funeral but was "listening intently" to the proceedings.

This led to a brief pause as Chairman Watts conferred with the clerk, advising Cllr Lane, "My advice to you... would be to possibly pull over if you can." Although Cllr Lane agreed to pull over, the footage captured during the live stream left many spectators and fellow councillors, including Steven Garratt, visibly disapproving, with Garratt even gesturing a thumbs-down.

The incident has sparked discussions on the boundaries of remote participation in council affairs, especially concerning safety and legality. While Monmouthshire County Council facilitates online attendance for flexibility, this scenario raises questions about the appropriateness of certain activities during council meetings.

Father Malcolm Lane, known for his long-standing service as both a councillor and a magistrate, found himself in a unique bind, balancing his commitment to council duties with his religious responsibilities. His attempt to multitask, though understandable given his circumstances, has inadvertently highlighted the challenges and potential pitfalls of modern technology in public service settings.

The council's decision to allow remote participation aims to ensure that all voices are heard, regardless of location or other commitments. However, this incident might prompt a review of guidelines on how and where councillors can engage in council business remotely, balancing accessibility with safety and decorum.