A councillor from North Wales has defended herself after being accused of falling asleep during a council meeting, stating that she was merely resting her eyes. Bernice McLoughlin, a councillor from Towyn, was recorded on camera closing her eyes and leaning back during a Conwy County Council education and skills committee meeting in Coed Pella, 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” while the committee was discussing the potential closure of Ysbyty Ifan. She was seen with her eyes closed for several minutes during the meeting, explaining that she was resting her eyes at home while watching the hybrid meeting. McLoughlin, who wears glasses and is awaiting cataract surgery, mentioned that her eyes were strained from switching between her iPad and laptop screens.

She clarified, “I admit that in council meetings, I will sit back and close my eyes, just to rest them. It doesn’t mean I’m not mentally present in the meeting.” McLoughlin expressed surprise at the limited attention the incident received on social media and noted the support she received from constituents and fellow councillors.

Notably, McLoughlin is not a member of the education and skills committee, and her attendance at the meeting was voluntary. The council has since reminded her of the rules for virtual meeting participation. A council spokesperson emphasized the importance of all members adhering to the council’s remote meeting policies.

McLoughlin joined Conwy Council as a councillor in May 2022.