Fylde MP Andrew Snowden's tribute to 'hard-working, intelligent and kind-hearted' ex-detective and councillor

Andrew Snowden, MP for Fylde, has paid tribute to former senior Lancashire detective and county councillor Graham Gooch following his death at the age of 76.

Mr Gooch died after a two-year battle with cancer, with Mr Snowden remembering him as a hardworking, intelligent and kind-hearted man, praising his distinguished career in policing and his contribution to Lancashire public life.

In a post on social media, the MP said: “Rest in Peace, Graham. My Sunday morning reflections are with Graham’s family and friends, coming to terms with their sad loss following his recent passing. I had the pleasure of working with Graham closely in his role as a Lancashire County Councillor and also in many ways whilst I was Lancashire Police Commissioner.

“He has a huge and rightly deserved reputation as having been one of Blackpool and Lancashire’s top detectives, especially for solving murders - rising to the rank of Detective Chief Superintendent before his retirement. “A hard working, highly intelligent and kind hearted man. It was truly a pleasure to have known him.”

Mr Gooch enjoyed a remarkable career spanning policing, education and politics, becoming one of Lancashire's most prominent detectives before moving into academia and local government. Originally from Essex, he joined Lancashire Police after 20 years' service with the Metropolitan Police, where he had risen to Detective Chief Inspector and worked on serious fraud investigations.

Following his move to Lancashire, he became head of divisional CID in Blackpool, leading numerous major murder investigations across the county during the 1990s. Among the cases he helped bring to a conclusion were the murders of traveller Walter 'Yogi' Smith, pier stallholder Paul Kendal and hotel worker Mark White.

He also led the high-profile investigation into the murder of 20-year-old student Janet Murgatroyd, whose body was discovered in the River Ribble at Penwortham in 1996. Despite a man being convicted of her manslaughter in 2003, the conviction was later quashed on appeal and the case remains unsolved.

Mr Gooch was also involved in the early stages of the investigation into the 1975 murder of Joan Harrison in Preston, which was eventually linked through DNA evidence to a man who had died in 2008. He retired from Lancashire Police in 2001, having reached the rank of Detective Chief Superintendent.

However, his working life was far from over. He went on to create and lead a policing and criminal investigation degree course, working as a lecturer for the following decade. After his second retirement in 2011, he turned his attention to politics, having previously served as chair of Longton Parish Council.

Elected to Lancashire County Council in 2013, he represented South Ribble West/Rural West for 12 years, stepping down ahead of the 2025 local elections. In 2017, he became the council's cabinet member for adult services, a position he held until his retirement from the role. His responsibilities included overseeing social care provision for vulnerable and elderly residents, including during the Covid-19 pandemic.

He also championed the development of extra-care facilities across Lancashire, helping older people and those with additional needs maintain greater independence. Mr Gooch was remembered by political colleagues across the county as a man of intellect and humour, whose contribution extended well beyond his years in policing.

His death marks the loss of a figure who dedicated much of his life to public service, from investigating some of Lancashire's most serious crimes to supporting vulnerable people through local government.

Graham Gooch leaves behind his wife, Susan, and three children and three grandchildren. His funeral will take place at St Andrew’s Church in Longton at 11am on 17th November. Family flowers only are requested and donations to St Catherine’s Hospice via Muchloved.