First female leader of Blackpool Council recognised with MBE in King’s Birthday Honours

The leader of Blackpool Council has been recognised with the MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours.

Cllr Lynn Williams is the first female leader of Blackpool Council, spearheading the town's ambitious plans for regeneration and securing hundreds of millions of pounds in Levelling Up funding.

Cllr Williams said: “I am very proud on behalf of the town and I want it to be for the people who are doing such good things in Blackpool. Not just within the council, but in the voluntary and private sector.

“It’s a combined effort by people working very hard for the town we love so much. The plans for regeneration have been in place before my time, but it has ramped up recently with funding for initiatives such as housing intervention.

“We have to work with government and it is incumbent upon me, as council leader, to get the best for our town and our people. It’s not enough just having a great vision. It is about showing you are doing it for the right reason and that you can deliver.

“My political career was ignited by my own daughter complaining that there was nothing much for young people to do here. By standing as a councillor and subsequently being appointed as leader, I have been fortunate enough to help influence the opportunities, facilities and life chances for our young people.

“They represent the future of our wonderful town, I am proud to be able to champion better outcomes for them, their families and all our residents.”

Cllr Williams works locally as a solicitor, and has represented Claremont since being elected in 2015, before becoming council leader in 2020.

Meanwhile, Dorothy May Ford from Thornton Cleveleys has been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM), for services in the community in Cleveleys.