Town mourns death of leader who 'bought Blackpool Tower'

Coun Peter Callow died in Blackpool Victoria Hospital on Tuesday, aged 81.

Coun Callow was at the helm of the Conservative administration when the council bought the Tower, Winter Gardens and Golden Mile Centre in 2010 as part of a £40m deal supported by the then Labour government.

He died in hospital after being admitted for general observations, but had also contracted coronavirus.

Coun Callow was first elected in Norbreck ward in 1997, which he represented alongside his wife Maxine.

He was also Mayor of Blackpool in 2015/16 when highlights of his year included appearing with presenters Chris Evans and Matt Le Blanc in a trailer for Top Gear filmed on the Promenade.

Maxine said: “Peter was Blackpool born and bred and he was very proud of the town.

“When the chance came to buy the Tower and Winter Gardens, he said ‘we can’t let it go’. It was a difficult decision but he was bursting with pride when we got it.

“He always had a good sense of humour, and he was very proud also of being a former pupil of Revoe School where he played in the same football team as Jimmy Armfield.

“When Peter retired, his doctor said he needed to keep busy so he stood for council, and he ran a very good campaign for the Conservatives to win control in 2007.”

After leaving school Coun Callow, who also leaves a daughter Nancy, served in the Fleet Air Arm, part of the Royal Navy, for seven-and-a-half years as a radio mechanic.

He then went onto a career in the Civil Service as a fraud investigator, before standing for election to the council.

As leader of the Conservative group, he campaigned during the 2007 local elections to clean up the town, overcoming a Labour majority to take control.

The victory was significant enough for David Cameron to visit the resort to join in the celebrations.

Coun Callow was also in charge when the £100m upgrade of the tramway was approved by the government in 2009.

After Labour regained control of the council in 2011, he continued to play a major role which included battling for a tram stop to be built for residents of Norbreck.

At the last local elections in May 2019, the Callows stood as independent candidates after being controversially dropped by the Conservative party, but went on to comfortably retain their seats.

Tributes have been paid to Coun Callow by many of his political colleagues.

Coun Tony Williams, leader of the Conservative group on the council, said: "During his time as leader of the council he made some brave and future changing decisions.

"In particular he had the foresight to acquire the Tower and Ballroom for the people of Blackpool, saving these iconic buildings for future generations to treasure.

"His invaluable help, advice and guidance was available to all councillors who worked with him including my own entrance into local politics.

"He and Maxine continued to work tirelessly on Norbreck Ward right up to his recent illness."

Former Labour council leader Coun Simon Blackburn said: “In the 17 years that I have known and worked with Peter, I found him unfailingly polite and respectful.

“Even in the pitched heat of political battle, he was always an absolute gentleman. When I became leader in 2011, he was gracious in defeat, and hostilities having ceased, we became good friends.

“As a councillor, as a leader, as a husband and father, and as a faithful servant of the people of Blackpool, he excelled.”