Morecambe community champion begins her year as mayor

Friday, 9 May 2025 13:56

By Greg Lambert @greglam72

Councillor Margaret Pattison, new mayor of Lancaster, with her deputy Councillor John Hanson

A community champion from Morecambe has been sworn in as the new mayor of Lancaster.

Councillor Margaret Pattison donned the mayoral robes in a centuries-old civic tradition, in a mayor making ceremony at Lancaster Town Hall on Friday.

Born in Morecambe, Councillor Pattison grew up in Overton before settling in Morecambe, where she raised her three children - Ian, Charlotte, and Lucy.

Her journey into public service began during her early career as a hairdressing apprentice where she found inspiration from her employer, a local councillor and school governor.

This sparked an interest in community involvement that would later define her career.

Her first direct step into politics came when her son Ian volunteered in the office of former MP Geraldine Smith.

After he left for university, Margaret was invited to take over the role - an experience that cemented her commitment to public service.

She soon stood for election for Labour, driven by a strong desire to support local residents with casework and community issues.

Over the years, she has served as a 'triple hat' councillor on Morecambe Town Council, Lancaster City Council, and Lancashire County Council.

Although she lost her seat in the county council elections last Friday, she remains a Harbour ward councillor on Morecambe Town Council and a West End of Morecambe councillor on Lancaster City Council.

She has championed grassroots initiatives including the local Alley Champions group, and continued to support local education as a school governor.

Councillor Pattison said that now, as she takes up the mayoral role for the Lancaster and Morecambe District, she is keen to continue her hands-on approach to community leadership.

As her mayoral charities she has chosen St John’s Hospice in memory of her twin sister’s partner, Paul Bolton, who sadly passed away from cancer last November, and ‘Making Space’, which supports those with mental health conditions or a learning disability.

Councillor John Hanson will act as deputy mayor, with daughter Charlotte performing the role of mayor's consort.

Speaking on her appointment, Councillor Pattison said: “I am honoured to serve as mayor of Lancaster.

"I’m deeply committed to our community and will carry out this role with the same dedication and compassion I’ve shown throughout my years of service.

“Supporting St John’s Hospice is particularly close to my heart and I look forward to raising awareness and vital funds for the incredible work they do.”

The mayor of Lancaster is a councillor on Lancaster City Council, and is chosen each year for a 12-month period in office.

The previous mayor was Councillor Abi Mills of the Greens.