It is with great sadness that Blackpool Council announces that former Mayor of Blackpool, and councillor for Tyldesley ward, Cllr Eddie Collett passed away early this morning.



Cllr Collett was first elected to the council in May 1991 and served 21 years as a councillor, including as Mayor of Blackpool in 2013/14.

As well as holding a number of positions on the council's executive committee, Cllr Collett was most recently serving as the cabinet member for school improvement and child safeguarding.

Cllr Simon Blackburn, Leader of Blackpool Council, said: "Although it has been clear for several weeks that Eddie was not going to recover, it is still very hard to believe that he has gone.

"His service to the town is unparalleled - he served as Deputy Leader of the Council, Cabinet Member for Tourism & Regeneration, Education, Community Safety, Public Health, and most recently Children's Services.

"Far more than that though, he was a loyal and dependable friend, and a great battler for those whose voices seldom get heard. He loved his family dearly, and they were uppermost in his thoughts during his final days.

"I shall miss him more than words can say."