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New leader tells of mixed feelings
BLACKPOOL councillor Roy Fisher today told of his delight mixed with sadness at being elected the council’s Labour group leader.
Coun Fisher, 46, said he was extremely happy to have been elected chief of the ruling group, succeeding Coun George Bancroft.
But he was sad that he had reached the position following his friend and colleague’s recent death.
Coun Fisher said: “I’m very pleased indeed that I have been elected leader. I know it’s a big job but I’m happy to take it on.
“Obviously I have mixed feelings – I wouldn’t have wished to take it on in these circumstances, but I think George would have wished us to carry on and that’s what we will do.”
Coun Bancroft died earlier this month aged 66 after a long battle against ill health.
Coun Fisher has been a councillor since 1991 and now faces the formality of being elected council leader at a full meeting of the unitary-authority at a date yet to be fixed.
He refused to be drawn on major policies and issues until he was formally elected council leader, but said he would be keeping an open mind.
Coun Fisher said he was fortunate that he could balance his work as a nuclear plant electrician at BNFL Springfields with his council duties.
“I appreciate the fact that my employers allow me to take time off for public duties and I look forward to carrying on that work.
“I will be carrying on where George left off,” he said.
Coun Fisher’s appointment is the latest in a series of changes at the top at Blackpool Council.
Coun Bancroft’s death rocked the town hall and on Friday chief executive Graham Essex-Crosby announced he was seeking early retirement.
He plans to leave next March.
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Weather for Blackpool
Sunday 27 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 13 C to 25 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 12 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: South west
