Menu

Councillor Tom Burns who represented Fishwick dies

Posted on - 8th January, 2014 - 10:07pm | Author - | Posted in - Fishwick, Preston News
Councillor Tom Burns

Councillor Tom Burns

Councillor Tom Burns, cabinet member for leisure and culture, has died.

Advertisement

He represented the Fishwick ward since 2010, winning election for Labour in the May of that year.

Advertisements
Preston Weekender advert

Mr Burns died on Wednesday.

Council leader Peter Rankin has paid a touching tribute to Councillor Burns.

He said: “It is with great sadness and in a state of shock that I regret to announce the sudden death on Wednesday of a close friend and colleague, Tom Burns. This is devastating and totally unexpected news.

Advertisements

“Tom had been a Preston City Councillor since 2010, representing Fishwick Ward and was Cabinet Member for Advice Services, Culture and Leisure, which included the leisure centres, the Guild Hall and the Harris Museum. He was a great champion for those services. Despite being ill for some time Tom had never let this prevent him carrying out his council duties or any of his political activities. He could have taken life a little easier but that would not have been like Tom.

“Tom attended a Labour Councillors meeting on Tuesday evening where we were discussing important issues relating to his responsibilities. As always he was extremely supportive of those services that he had responsibility for and, as always, he made a strong case for their protection at a time of great financial challenge. My great regret is that I didn’t have the opportunity to speak to Tom at the end of the meeting before he left for home.

“Born in Birkenhead with Irish ancestry, Tom was a caring, passionate socialist with a deep commitment to the people of his ward and the people of Preston. His contribution to the Labour Party in Preston over the years has been immeasurable. Over the past few years he has hated what central government has been doing and campaigned hard against policies that adversely affected the poor and vulnerable.

“Tom was a fighter, refusing to take life easy even though he was very ill. He was a kind man always considerate to other people and well liked by all Councillors whatever their political colour and by staff at the Town Hall.

“I would like to pass on our sympathy to Tom’s wife Pauline and all in his family circle from all at Preston City Council at this very sad time. We will all miss Tom.”

Advertisements
barton manor gym

Councillors have been paying their respects on Twitter:

 

 

Another councillor, James Hull, took to Facebook to describe Burns as a “lion who stood firm for those he represented so well.”

He wrote: “I am very sad to hear the news that my friend and colleague, Cllr Tom Burns – Preston City Council Cabinet Member for Advice Services, Culture and Leisure – sadly passed away last night. Tom worked tirelessly for Arts and Culture in Preston and was instrumental in maintaining the services we have for the people of Preston. We have lost a lion who stood firm for those he represented so very well. God bless Tom and his family at this difficult time.”

Leave your tributes to Councillor Burns in the comments below

Share
Advertisements
caritas fostering advert
Preston in pictures Preston Bus 207 PO56 JDX (Scania N94UB / East Lancs Esteem)24.03.24 - Penwortham [Church of St Mary] 240323JPGDSC_7658 - Bus stationDSC_7676 - Miller ArcadeDSC_7681 - former Post Office, cenotaph and Town HallDSC_7682 - Central Methodist church, Lune StreetDSC_7668 - Fish (aka Box) MarketDSC_7672 - Miller Arcade View more Advertisement Subscribe to the newsletter

Sign up below to receive Blog Preston's email newsletter. It wings its way into inboxes every Sunday and Wednesday rounding up our top stories and more.

Advertisement News by location

Find news by location, select an area of your choice to be kept up to date with the latest goings on.

The Preston Guide

Discover local businesses and services near you.

    Advertisements
Advertisement Categories

Find news by category, select an category of your choice to be kept up to date with the latest goings on.

Blog Preston email updates

Receive our digest of the biggest and best stories every Sunday to your email inbox

We respect your privacy and you can unsubscribe at any time from our emails