First Worcester councillor to take maternity leave praises NHS after giving birth
The Parental Leave Policy for Councillors was introduced in February 2023
The first Worcester councillor to take maternity leave in the history of the City Council has given birth to a baby girl.
Claines councillor Jessie Jagger gave birth to Lili-Rose at 5.05am on January 5 at Worcestershire Royal Hospital.
Lili-Rose was delivered via an unplanned C-section after a last-minute change in position during Cllr Jagger’s labour.
The Lib Dem councillor expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the incredible team of community midwives, maternity triage staff, operating theatre team and post-natal ward staff who provided exceptional care throughout her pregnancy and delivery.
“I feel absolutely privileged to live in a country with such excellent care at no cost at the point of use,” she said.
“While we often hear horror stories about the NHS, it’s so important to cheer and thank systems when they work well. The NHS should be praised and protected.”
Paul Jagger joked: “Labour is painful, and doesn’t always work.”
He also quipped: “I’m just glad I could park to bring my family home,” referring to the Green-Lib Dem campaign to improve parking availability for patients at the hospital.
Cllr Jagger ill be taking a short maternity leave as she enjoys time with her new daughter and family.
Cllr Jagger has become the first councillor and group leader in the council’s 200-year history to take maternity leave under its Parental Leave Policy for Councillors, which was introduced in February 2023 under the joint leadership of Marjory Bisset and Lynn Denham.