Blackpool councillor and former mayor Lily Henderson has died aged 94

Mrs Henderson MBE had served for more than 30 years as a Conservative councillor in Blackpool, and was re-elected to represent the Highfield ward in 2019.

It is believed that Mrs Henderson, who moved to the resort at the age of 24, might also have been the oldest serving councillor in the whole of Britain.

She first came to Blackpool for a fortnight in 1951 to help a family get settled in a boarding house, but she became enchanted by the seaside resort and decided to stay.

She soon became an active member of her community, always eager to volunteer and help with fundraising, for which she was awarded an MBE in 2005.

Speaking to the Gazette on the election trail in April last year, she said: "I've done 30 years on the council, and I'm 92, but I'm still looking forward to the election.

"What keeps me motivated are the people and I adore Blackpool which is my adopted town."

Coun Henderson was first elected as Squires Gate councillor in 1983 before losing her seat to Labour in 1995.

She was re-elected as councillor for Highfield in 2000 and became Mayor of Blackpool three years later.

She was also an integral part of Blackpool Scouts where she was appointed President.

Paying tribute to Mrs Henderson, the Scouts said: "It is with a very sad heart that we inform you that our President, Cllr Lily Henderson MBE, has passed away.

"There was no-one prouder to be involved in Blackpool Scouting than her. Our thoughts are with Victoria and the family. We have lost a true friend.

"Lily’s lifelong love of Scouting began when her son was a member of the 29th Blackpool (St. Peters) Church Cub Scout Pack.

"It has continued since then, raising lots of money, supporting sponsored events, coffee mornings, presenting certificates and speaking on behalf of the Scouts in either the Town Hall, at the Dinner Dance or to anyone that she could promote the benefits and values of Scouting to.

"However, it was when talking with our young people, and volunteers at a programme night or a District event, watching the Gang Show and seeing, first-hand, what a brilliant movement she was involved with, was when she was the most happiest."

Coun Lily Henderson is the second Blackpool councillor to have died in the past month, after former council leader Peter Callow died on November 24, aged 81.

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