By Councillor Katie Pragnell Lees

I must admit I fell into politics by accident. Growing up, I always thought I was destined to be a teacher. My path changed when I became ill at secondary school and my fight began to access education and health services. I felt abandoned and left behind, but one teacher saw something in me that changed the course of my life, she urged me to join a political party to ensure no one else experienced what I had.

I joined the Scottish Labour Party and became active in Eastwood Constituency Labour Party (CLP), attending meetings and getting involved in local and national campaigning. I felt, I was part of something bigger, that could perhaps lead to lasting change. It was also a welcomed distraction from near constant medical tests and hospital stays which led to my diagnosis of Ehlers Danlos Syndrome and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome.

In 2021, I was approached by my ward councillor, Alan Lafferty who asked if I would consider standing for Council as he would be retiring. I was honoured to have been asked to stand in his place and to receive his support and encouragement. Alan had been my councillor all my life, he had been elected continuously to East Renfrewshire Council since 1995. My earliest memory of Alan was as a child outside my primary school handing out stickers and balloons to all the children on election day. I’m not sure that would be allowed now! I hoped if I got elected, I would be as hardworking and committed to our community as he was. I can say this with confidence; Alan has been a hard act to follow!

I have to say getting elected to East Renfrewshire Council in 2022, has been the greatest honour of my life, which I do not take for granted. It’s even more significant when you represent the community, you grew up in and have a deep connection with. My community and experiences have contributed to the person I am today.

I believe council chambers should reflect the population they serve, this still isn’t the case across Scotland. Sadly, barriers still exist which stop people from seeking elected office. Research has consistently shown that there are barriers for women, young people, those with disabilities and the BAME community. I am passionate about breaking down barriers and as member of COSLA’s Barrier’s to Elected Office Working Group, progress has been made on renumeration, severance payments and proxy voting.

Early on I took the decision that being a councillor would be my full-time job. I completely accept that this isn’t possible for everyone who is elected. However, it works for me and allows me to do my role well whilst living with a disability that affects my daily life.

When I was elected, I wrongly presumed I would be an ordinary ward councillor, attending full council meetings and my assigned committees as well as doing casework and engaging /working with the community.  In the lead up to the first full council meeting after the election, it became apparent that my political party was going to form the council’s administration. I went from being the youngest female councillor elected to East Renfrewshire Council to a senior councillor. The task was daunting and felt overwhelming, especially when I was appointed Convener for Health, Social Work and Social Care, Vice Chair of the Integration Joint Board and a Non-executive Director of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.

My fellow administration councillors have put a great deal of faith and trust in me. I thank them for their continuous support and guidance.

I am often the youngest person in the room and throughout my time as a councillor I’ve suffered from Imposter Syndrome - I’ve doubted my worth and ability.  This has come to the fore when I’ve been the Chair of recruitment panels for senior officers in the Health and Social Care Partnership. I have interviewed candidates that have been in their chosen profession longer than I have been on this planet! Despite my constant doubts, I must be doing my job well as in 2023, I was named ‘Young Councillor of the Year’ at the LGIU and CCLA annual councillor awards in Scotland for my work. It’s something I am proud of but rarely talk about as I didn’t enter politics for awards or accolades.

It can be very easy in the politics, to work in silos based on political parties or persuasion. Of course, party politics does cross over into council life. However, from my experience I feel East Renfrewshire Council works best when there is cross-party working and discussion. It may take time to come to consensus but ultimately all councillors want to deliver the best services for the people of East Renfrewshire. Likewise, I am grateful for the expertise of Council and Health and Social Care Partnership officer’s who I feel I have good working relationships with.

It hasn’t always been easy being a councillor, I’ve had to make difficult budgetary decisions that have been unpopular which have resulted in abuse and hate. I’ve also been the subject of misogyny, sexism and ageism. Whilst, it can be hard it hasn’t put me off the role, it’s made me more determined.

Overall, I love being a councillor, the role is extensive and varied, no day or the week is the same. New challenges and situations pop up. I am always learning.  I work collaboratively with MPs and MSPs and try to influence national decision making. At a local level, I’ve focused on improving educational outcomes for those who have been absent from school. I’m overseeing the governance, delivery and transformation of health and social care which will be fit for the future. I’ve worked to support women and girls who have been subjected to domestic violence by developing ‘grab and go bags’ and launching the first economic abuse helpline in Scotland. As well as being an active and community focused ward councillor supporting projects such as Overlee Pump Track.

Whilst resident’s may not always share my views, I hope they see I work hard. Ultimately, it is up to them if I continue to serve the community I love as their councillor.