Is There a Culture of Sexism in Lynton & Lynmouth Town Council?

 

Lynton & Lynmouth Town Council exists to represent its community.

But recent events raise a harder question: does it represent everyone equally?

 

At the January 2025 Full Council Meeting, two council seats were open.

Three local residents stood for co-option:

Tim Hodson

Michael Bell

Louise Wakeham

 

Each gave a short speech. Each answered questions from councillors.

 

But one exchange stood out.

 

When it was Louise’s turn, Councillor Phil Hawkins asked how she would manage the role alongside raising two young children and running her business.

 

He didn’t ask anything similar to the male candidates.

 

Councillor Andrea Davis called it out immediately: “He would never ask a man such a question.”

She was right.

 

It wasn’t just a poor choice of words. 

 

It was a different standard.

 

Despite public support and being the only woman, Louise wasn’t selected.

The council chose two older white men instead. That made the numbers worse, not better:10 men, 2 women.

 

In March, another seat became available.

 

Louise put her name forward again — this time with no competition. She officially joined the council in April.

 

But even at her first full meeting on April 9th, the tone hadn’t changed.

 

When her husband couldn’t attend to speak on an agenda item, Councillor Hobbs explained he was “babysitting.”

 

The room laughed.

 

The public gallery didn’t.

 

Why call it babysitting when a father looks after his own kids?

 

Why was that funny?

 

What message do these moments send?

 

Who feels welcome in that room?

 

Who doesn’t?

 

This isn’t about one bad question or one bad joke. 

 

It’s about a pattern.

 

Women being questioned on personal responsibilities

 

Men not held to the same scrutiny

 

Jokes that reflect outdated views of parenting

 

Decisions that reinforce a narrow image of leadership

 

A local council should reflect its community. In values, in respect, and in representation. 

 

Right now, Lynton & Lynmouth’s council doesn’t appear to.

 

 

So here’s the question:

Are women being treated as equals in this chamber — or just tolerated?

 

And if not, what will it take to change that?