COUNCILLOR IVAN TAYLOR OF BLACKPOOL

That this House congratulates Councillor Ivan Taylor on 50 years of service to the people of Blackpool, making him the longest serving councillor ever in the town; recognises the achievements of that service which include having been leader of the Labour group of Blackpool Council for 30 years, leader of the council for nine years and mayor in 2002; acknowledges that Mr Taylor oversaw as leader of the council its transformation to unitary status, the building of its first-ever public sports centre and the commencement of Surestarts; pays tribute to the support of his family, especially his wife Sylvia who was his fellow councillor in Claremont for many years and grandson Luke who is a current councillor; and sends him and Sylvia warm congratulations on this milestone achievement.