Tributes paid to town's 'outstanding' former mayor

Celia Jordan was described as "a great model for our new councillors to follow"

Tributes have been paid to a former mayor described as an "outstanding member of the community" whose enthusiasm was "infectious".

Former mayor of Warrington, Celia Jordan, who was awarded an MBE for services to the Cheshire town, died on Tuesday aged 90.

Ms Jordan was a Stockton Heath councillor and also served as a chair and trustee of St Rocco’s Hospice.

Her three sons Tim, Ben and Ross said it was "hard to express how much of a hole mum’s death has left".

'Did so much'

“She was the foundation the family was built on and we all miss her terribly,” they said.

“It’s clear from reading the messages we’ve received over the last few days that she meant a lot to people outside of the family too, even those she only met the once."

Ms Jordan previously served as the president of the Liberal Democrat party in Warrington and was mayor from 2007-2008.

Her family said “she had such a gift for bringing people together for a common cause" which often included litter pics, decorating at St Rocco’s Hospice and her work as a borough and parish councillor.

"The fact mum did so much more for us and the Warrington community, is the reason she will be sadly missed by all who knew her,” they added.

'Great model'

Liberal Democrat councillor Ian Marks also paid tribute to Mrs Jordan, who he and his wife had known for more than 40 years.

“She was a good friend to us both and could always be relied upon to give sound advice if we asked her a question.

“She was an outstanding member of the community and a great model for our new councillors to follow."

Liberal Democrat Bob Barr, who had been a borough councillor for 18 years and a parish councillor for 22 years, said: “Celia was much more comfortable as a people’s champion than with the cut and thrust of party politics.

"We need to follow her example. She will be greatly missed.”