THE former mayor who ‘had a great love for Warrington’ has sadly died.

Described as a ‘true community champion, Cllr Les Morgan was Latchford West councillor since 2014 and was the former Mayor of Warrington in 2017 and 2018.

Cllr Morgan, who was married to his wife Gwyn for over 40 years, was a former trade union official, and long-standing campaigner, and had a particular interest in supporting and protecting the most vulnerable.

He was a founding member of St Werburgh’s Community Hub and had a suite at the hub dedicated in his name, in recognition of his role in the support and development of the centre.

During his Mayoral year, Cllr Morgan raised more than £14,000 for Warrington MS Society, Warrington Street Pastors, Papyrus, and Warrington Foodbank.

He served on a number of committees as councillor, including the Development Management Committee and Health Scrutiny Committee. He was also chair of the Licensing Committee.

Warrington Guardian: Cllr Les Morgan Cllr Les Morgan (Image: Newsquest)

The current Mayor of Warrington, Cllr Jean Flaherty, hailed the enduring impact of Cllr Morgan’s work in the community, serving his residents with 'devoted commitment'.

Cllr Flaherty said: “Cllr Morgan was a true community champion who was highly respected by those who worked with him and benefitted from his dedicated support.

“He was a proud councillor and worked with staunchness to support the residents he represented. He typified everything a local councillor should be – hard working, loyal, committed, and willing to roll up his sleeves.

“He had a great love for Warrington and its people and will be truly missed.”

The flag at the Town Hall will fly at half-mast in recognition of Cllr Morgan’s service to the council and to Warrington.

Cllr Morgan resigned as mayor in 2018 after posting controversial comments about Warrington Wolves players Toby and George King.

Warrington Guardian:

A number of Labour Party figures across the town have paid their respects to Cllr Morgan.

Fellow Latchford West ward councillor, Maureen McLaughlin, said: "Les was a true community champion and we worked closely together in Latchford West for over ten years.

"He was proud to be elected as a local councillor in 2014 and was passionate about helping local residents and bringing improvements to the local area.

"He had his own unique style, and was rarely without a joke or a smile.

"I will miss him greatly, and send my deepest condolences to his wife Gwyn and all the family.

Labour’s Warrington South Parliamentary candidate and fellow councillor Sarah Hall, said: "I was deeply saddened to hear that Les has passed away. Les has left a legacy as a hardworking councillor embedded in his community, supporting older people and making a difference to the lives of everyone across Latchford West. I want to send my heartfelt sympathy to Gwyn and family at this difficult time.

 

Chair of the Warrington South Labour Party, Councillor Janet Henshaw, said:

Les was always guaranteed to light up the room, he will be missed by all his friends in the Warrington South Labour Party. Many of our members will have fond memories of Les. He will never be forgotten as a longtime committed member of the Labour Party."

Leader of Warrington Borough Council, Councillor Russ Bowden, said: "We were all saddened to learn about the death of our dear friend and colleague, Councillor Les Morgan. Our thoughts are with his wife Gwyn and his whole family at this incredibly difficult time."

Chair of Warrington Borough Council Labour Group, Councillor John Kerr-Brown said: "Les was a long-serving and respected councillor in his community. He will be sadly missed by his friends, colleagues and the whole Warrington Labour Group. I would like to send mine and the Labour Groups sincere condolences to his family."