Resort's first female council leader becomes MBE

Councillor Lynn Williams is the first female leader of Blackpool Council

The first female leader of Blackpool Council has said she was "very proud on behalf of the town" to becoming an MBE in the King's Birthday Honours.

Lynn Williams has been honoured in recognition of her work leading the regeneration of the resort.

She said her appointment as an MBE for services to local government was an acknowledgement of the hard work of many people.

The revamp of the resort had been "a combined effort by people working very hard for the town we love so much", she said.

'Town we love'

Ms Williams, who works as a solicitor and has two daughters, Rosalyn and Grace, with her partner Patrick, said: "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."

Ms Williams has represented Claremont since being elected in 2015, and became the town’s first female council leader in 2020.

She has been involved in improving children’s services, headed a review of youth services, and led the It Stops Here campaign to tackle abuse.

She was also a founder member of the Magic Club, which is now a hub for 400 young people in Claremont, and has been a volunteer for the Citizens Advice Bureau for 30 years.