Blackpool Council set to appoint new leader

Blackpool Council will appoint a new leader at its full meeting on Monday after Coun Simon Blackburn stepped down from the position at the end of June.
By Shelagh Parkinson
Published 17th Jul 2020, 12:30 BST
Acting leader Coun Lynn WilliamsActing leader Coun Lynn Williams
Acting leader Coun Lynn Williams

Coun Blackburn stood down after he was suspended from the Labour Party pending an investigation into allegations made against him.

His deputy Coun Lynn Williams has been acting leader in the interim, but Monday will see a replacement appointed for the remainder of the current administration until 2023.

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No details have emerged of the nature of the allegation against Coun Blackburn, but the Labour Party has said it is ‘serious’ and a full investigation is underway.

Coun Blackburn has denied the allegation and said he has “no doubt” the investigation will “confirm his innocence”.

At the same meeting councillors will also appoint a deputy mayor for 2020/21 with Coun Paula Burdess set to take up the honour.

Coun Amy Cross is continuing as Mayor for the current civic year, but her deputy Coun Jim Hobson has had to relinquish his role after being appointed to a new position as cabinet member for climate change and the environment.

Related topics:Blackpool CouncilLabour PartyMayor