A CITY councillor is to get maternity pay for the first time next month following a vote earlier this year.

Council board member Marie Tidball, whose baby is due in August, will take her maternity leave from the end of the month.

It is the first time a serving executive board member on Oxford City Council has taken maternity leave in the modern era of the council.

Following a vote earlier this year to amend the council’s constitution, Dr Tidball will receive maternity pay - half of the special responsibility allowance she is entitled to for up to six months.

Last year Dr Tidball’s special responsibility allowance was £6,512 for her executive board role.

The Hinksey Park councillor said: “In the year that we celebrate the centenary of women’s suffrage, I’m proud that Oxford City Council has taken this progressive step to support the maternity rights of women councillors.

“This is an important way of ensuring women can continue to be involved in politics whilst managing the responsibilities of being a new parent.”

Council leader Susan Brown has announced that Christine Simm will be providing maternity cover and will take up the position as board member for supporting local communities.

Ms Brown said: “One third of our councillors are women, and half of the executive board, and we want to continue to strengthen the diversity of our members to ensure we fully reflect the many communities we serve in Oxford.”