Tributes have been pouring in for long-serving councillor David Lancaster MBE, a day after he died at the age of 81.
In a career spanning 60 years, Coun Lancaster held several key positions, including chairman of the housing committee and Labour deputy leader.
A fierce debater who played a prominent role in the Labour group in charge of the city throughout the 80s, 90s and noughties, he was a major force for change in Salford.
He was thought to be the longest serving councillor in England and was presented with a framed map of Salford by the Ceremonial Mayor of Salford, Councillor Ann-Marie Humphreys, three years ago.
Following his passing, Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett paid tribute to his long-term colleague.
He said: “I am deeply saddened by the passing of Councillor David Lancaster MBE, a true stalwart of Salford’s Labour Party and lifelong trade unionist, whose contribution to our city spans an extraordinary 60 years of public service.
“His dedication, consistency and sense of duty shaped our city across generations, epitomised by a strong work ethic, collective responsibility, a strong public sector ethos and relentless commitment to Salford, its residents, families, children and young people and diverse communities.
“Over those six decades, Councillor Lancaster experienced so many proud and at times humbling moments, each one contributing to the story of a man who served Salford with unwavering commitment.
“As one of the longest serving councillors in England, Councillor Lancaster’s public service and time in public office is a phenomenal reflection of the trust and faith placed in him and Salford’s Labour Party by the people he represented.”
Councillor Lancaster was first elected to Eccles Council in 1965 at just 21 years old. He went on to serve on Salford City Council representing Winton, passionately advocating for Barton, Winton, Patricroft and Eccles throughout his entire political and public life for the community he lived in and represented.
He was a rugby league fan who supported Wigan, but was a consistent champion of Salford Red Devils and their fans during the club’s financial crisis last season.
Following local government reorganisation in 1974, Eccles Council became part of the newly formed Salford City Council, and from that moment Councillor Lancaster became a constant presence in the city’s political life.
He decided to stand down as Area Housing Manager for Manchester City Council and became a full-time councillor in 1999, holding numerous roles both within Salford and across Greater Manchester.
Through Coun Lancaster’s background in housing and as a trade unionist, he saw there was a need for social and economic change and played a pivotal role in pushing that forward.
His contribution to our city and city-region was immense. As a founder member of The Lowry Trust, he helped shape one of Salford’s most significant cultural institutions.
Councillor Lancaster became Deputy Leader of the City Council in 2003 and was part of the strategic regeneration team that secured £450 million of investment for the city and supported the BBC’s move to Media City, now home to the largest cluster of digital and technology businesses outside London.
In 2016, Councillor Lancaster was awarded an MBE for his services to the Salford community, his charitable work supporting elderly people, and his long-standing contribution to the Salfordian Hotel Trust. It was a fitting recognition of a lifetime dedicated to improving the lives of others.
Salford MP, Rebecca Long Bailey, said: “Very saddened to hear of the passing of Councillor David Lancaster MBE. For nearly six decades, David gave his life to public service in Salford, championing regeneration, community safety and opportunity for local people.
“His contribution to our city, from the Quays to neighbourhood policing initiatives, leaves a lasting legacy. My thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time. Salford has lost a giant of local government.”
Liam Turner, Chief Executive at social housing provider Salix Homes, said: “Everyone at Salix Homes is deeply saddened by the death of Cllr David Lancaster, and our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues during this very sad time.
“Cllr Lancaster was a true Salford stalwart and a champion of housing and communities. He worked tirelessly to improve the lives of people across Salford, and we have been proud to work alongside him over the years.
“His dedication to creating safer, stronger communities and supporting regeneration has left a lasting mark on the city. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and worked alongside him.”
