WOULD you consider becoming a local councillor?

I’ve mentioned this before, praising their work in the Bolton area, and been shot down in flames by those of varying political persuasions who would focus negatively on individuals with not a good word for anyone.

It came to mind especially last week as it was that traditional occasion the Mayor-Making, when one of the town’s Mayors finishes a year of office and a new one comes in.

This time, Cllr Carole Swarbrick was the outgoing Mayor (after an extremely busy year when she represented that office particularly well) and the incoming Mayor is Cllr Linda Byrne.

Interestingly, her consort – official “companion” – is her husband, Cllr John Byrne, to become the first husband and wife partnership to both wear the civic chains.

Both have a long, proven history of representing their area and both have obviously given up time and energy in their lives to help other people.

I know that even stating this will incense some people who believe that councillors get on the gravy train when they are elected and use the office for their own ends. But, the reality for the vast majority of councillors is that sheer hard work totally eclipses any “gain” they could possibly make from being in that role.

How many of us would opt, for example, to be on duty 24 hours a day, wherever you happened to be? I can tell you, from close observation of local councillors over a very long journalistic career working alongside them, that this happens and, personally, I would never put up with it.

When they go out for a walk, are with their families or on a social event with friends, they are always perceived to be “on duty” and thus available for whatever the latest complaint is that people want to have sorted.

There appears to be no public concept of “personal time”.

Local councillors don’t whinge about this; they just appear to accept it and do their best within the constraints. No, they are not all angels and you may be right if you think I am naïve about their role.

All I know is that I could never do that job, and I admire those who do. And it would be nice if, just for once, people happy to complain about them gave them the benefit of the doubt and just acknowledged their genuine efforts.