Respects paid at funeral today of Blackpool's Ivan Taylor who was UK's longest serving councillor

Family and friends have paid respects to the late Cllr Ivan Taylor whose funeral was held today.

The veteran Labour man, confirmed as Britain’s longest serving councillor, died early last month at the age of 86.

During his many years as an elected member, Ivan played a key role in Blackpool Council gaining unitary status, oversaw the roll out of Sure Start centres, and set up the town’s first publicly run leisure centre.

For 20 years, Ivan served alongside his wife Sylvia. Cllr Sylvia Taylor represented Claremont ward and was also Mayor of Blackpool in 2012-13. She died in 2021, aged 82.

Ivan’s funeral service was held at Blackpool’s Salvation Army Citadel, where a moving eulogy was given by his grandson Luke and the service was officiated by Major Richard Thompson, the Corps Officer.

It featured some of Ivan’s favourite hymns, songs and readings, with the Salvation Army Band in support.

Later there was a service at Carleton Crematorium before a reception was held at Blackpool Town Hall.

Grandson Luke, who was particularly close to Ivan, invited those who wished to pay their respects at the services.

Blackpool Council has paid its respects to the councillor, who served on the council for six decades, most of it in the Claremont ward in North Shore.

Cllr Lynn Williams, Leader of Blackpool Council, said: “Councillor Ivan Taylor devoted his life to the town he loved, serving the people of Blackpool with unwavering commitment for longer than any other councillor in the United Kingdom.

“His record of public service is extraordinary, but those of us who knew Ivan will remember far more than the years he served.”

And Blackpool South MP Chris Webb described as a man who “dedicated six decades of his life to serving the people of Blackpool.”