Amy set for third year as Blackpool Mayor

And if restrictions mean she cannot appear in person at events – she hopes to appear ‘virtually’ in order to support good causes in the town.

Coun Cross was inaugurated as first citizen in May 2019 and last year it was decided she should continue for a second year after the civic calendar was interrupted by lockdown.

But as restrictions have continued to impact public events and fundraising, it has been decided to further extend Coun Cross’s mayoralty.

Coun Cross said she was delighted to have the opportunity to carry on.

She said: “It’s been a strange year for us all, not least for the Mayor who was used to doing huge numbers of events and is now sat on zoom day to day.

“It is a huge privilege to be first citizen of my home town and I’m ecstatic to be afforded the opportunity to do it for a little while longer.

“I am pleased to have the continued support of my deputy Coun Paula Burdess and my consort Mr Jon Sillis.

“I really want to focus on raising funds for my local charity Empowerment this year.

“Due to lockdown the Mayoral Ball was cancelled alongside many exciting fundraising events we had planned.

“I have been doing virtual events but want to do more. I would like to take this opportunity to say to the residents and organisations within Blackpool, if you have virtual events I would love to get involved.

“Please do get in touch and I will support you virtually until normality resumes.”

Deputy Mayor Coun Paula Burdess will also continue in her role for another year.

It means a further wait for mayor-elect Coun Christian Cox who is next in line.

People can contact Coun Cross by emailing Liz Wood at [email protected]