New Blackpool mayor following in dad's steps

From left, Mayor Coun Ian Coleman, Mayoress Mrs Mavis Coleman (front), Deputy Mayoress Coun Debbie Coleman, Deputy Mayor Coun Gary Coleman and 2016/17 Mayor Coun Kath Rowson.

He will also be following in the footsteps of his own dad.

For Coun Gary Coleman will take over from his father Coun Ian Coleman when he becomes first citizen for 2018/19.

Councillors voted unanimously for the younger Coun Coleman to take over the role which is decided by seniority.

Coun Coleman told a meeting of the full council: “I can’t express how proud and honoured I am to hopefully in May become Mayor of Blackpool, and follow in the footsteps of William Henry Cocker, John Bickerstaffe and all the wonderful people who have been mayor over the years.

“You can tell my father and I have both been involved in the bus industry over the years.

“You wait 141 years for a Coleman to be mayor, and then another one comes along right behind!”

Addressing his father, Coun Coleman added: “If I can be half as good a mayor as you have been, then I will be very happy.

“I know of no-one I would rather follow and no greater role model.”

Coun Coleman has previously served as deputy mayor, including during the current year along with his wife Coun Debbie Coleman as deputy mayoress.

Earlier in the meeting Coun Ian Coleman recalled how he once nearly lost a World Cup winners medal as councillors paid tribute to Jimmy Armfield , who had been a freeman of the borough since 2003.

Jimmy brought the medal when he came to open the Poppython fundraiser at the Royal British Legion, when it fell under some seating.

Coun Coleman said: “I was hoping there were no cracks in the floor, otherwise we would have to knock down the building!”

Tributes were also paid by Coun Fred Jackson, Coun David Owen and Coun Lily Henderson as the chamber agreed a resolution of condolence.

Coun Jackson said Jimmy had touched the lives of many people in Blackpool.

He said: “Jimmy had a strong Christian faith that influenced his way of life and made him the iconic gentleman that he was.

“If there is a Premier League in heaven, Jimmy will definitely be in it.”

Coun Owen said: “If we think of Jimmy, we think of loyalty to his roots, loyalty to his club, loyalty to Blackpool.”

Coun Henderson recalled her friendship with Jimmy at St Peter’s Church in South Shore.