Appropriate or excessively politically correct?

These are the divided views of Sandwich residents after the town council voted to change the way it formally addresses this year's female mayor.

A proposal put forward by Cllr Jeremy Watts at the latest full council meeting saw members agree to now refer to Cllr Veronica Liote as Madam Mayor rather than Mr Mayor - a traditional term believed to be centuries old.

Simon Leith, whose mother Pauline was the town’s only ever Labour mayor for two consecutive years in the late 1980s, pleaded with members not to tamper with the town’s heritage, blasting it a retrograde step and the death of a tradition.

But Steve Laslett, whose mother, Mary Laslett, also held the position about a decade later, argues it would be inappropriate not to adopt the term.

He claims his mother was never referred to as Mr Mayor although a vote was not taken.

Addressing councillors before the vote Mr Leith said: “The motion proposed will change a tradition forever.

“I believe that the change may be based on the view that calling a person Mr Mayor is sexist and therefore in contravention of equality laws.

“I’m not a lawyer, but from what I have read on the subject to be sexist or genderist it would have to be a statement that is seen as derisory or engender discrimination or disadvantage.

"There is no reason to change how we address the mayor, they are accepted common titles regardless of sex or gender.

“I have first hand experience with my late mother who enjoyed being called Mr Mayor which showed an equal achievement with all the great and the good who preceded her.

“The basic argument that times are changing is no basis to change a valued tradition for the sake of it.

“It is a non offensive tradition.”

The motion was passed although not all councillors were in agreement.

Cllr Paul Carter said: “It is another example of being excessively politically correct and disregarding traditions that go back centuries.

“I was really surprised that Cllr Jeremy Watts brought this agenda item to the council as his family has connections with the town and council over many generations.

"But despite so many important issues that the town is facing the mayor seems to allowing minor issues to be raised that have little or no concern to local residents.

“The decision was that the current mayor would be addressed as Madam Mayor.

“But as ironic as it seems, Cllr Veronica Liote then stated that if anyone had an issue using this term, they could address her as Mr Mayor.

“So what was the point in discussing the item?”

Cllr Dan Friend, who also voted against the change, said: “I was very disappointed that the council voted to change a tradition that has been in place since the inception of the mayoralty.

"It is another example of being excessively politically correct and disregarding traditions that go back centuries" - Cllr Paul Carter

“Mr Mayor is not a sexist term, it is the official title of the office of mayor.

"Traditions like this and the mayor’s chaplain are important to maintain.

"As councillors we must do everything we can to uphold our traditions and preserve the heritage that makes our town so unique.”

Steve Lastett added: “I think people should consider it if it was the other way round.

"If all males performing tasks which were historically performed by women had to be called Mrs.

"It doesn’t stand the test of all reasonableness. It would be inappropriate and offensive.

“I think we should allow the incumbent mayor to chose the form of address she feels comfortable with.”

Cllr Jeremy Watts stated his resolution “changes nothing” and did not comment further.

Cllr Liote decline to comment.