A former mayor of Lancaster and long-serving councillor who received the MBE for her many years of political service has died.
Alderman Jean Yates MBE was a former Lancaster city and Lancashire county councillor, and stood in the general election for Labour in Morecambe and Lunesdale in 1992.
Jean's political career began when she joined the Labour party in 1947, aged just 14, and she first stood for Lancaster City Council in 1974, becoming mayor in 1994/95.
She was awarded the MBE in the Queen's New Year's Honours List of 2016 for political service and service to the community in Lancashire, and was also a long-time President of the St John Ambulance Fellowship, and long-time chair of Heysham Mossgate Community Centre.
Councillor Margaret Pattison, current mayor of Lancaster, paid tribute to Mrs Yates and also Mike Greenall, another former mayor who died earlier this month.
“I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of two former mayors, Jean Yates and Mike Greenall, both of whom gave so much of their lives to serving our community.
“Their deaths mark the loss of two dedicated public servants who each shared a strong commitment to public service. As councillors and as mayors, they served with integrity, dignity and pride.
“On behalf of the council and the wider community, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of Jean and Mike. They will both be remembered with gratitude and respect for the lasting contributions they made, and for the example they set in service to others.”
Councillor Colin Hartley, posting on the Heysham Labour Facebook page, said: "Sad to share the news that Heysham Labour member Alderman Jean Yates MBE died on 20th February.
"Jean had been a Lancaster city and county councillor and former Lancaster Mayor.
"She was a Labour stalwart, a comrade, a good friend and mentor to many. She will be missed."


Long-serving Heysham councillor and former mayor has died
Three boys raise thousands for Heysham school from inspiring triathlon challenge
Crews tackle property fire in Skerton
Morecambe FC’s Head of Commercial returns to club
PHOTOS: Traffic light flattened after crash near busy Lancaster city centre junction
PHOTOS: New Tesco Express supermarket set to open in Lancaster
Crews tackle Lancaster caravan fire
High street chain Savers opens in Lancaster shopping centre
Talks held on Morecambe UK Town of Culture tilt
Morecambe FC announce appointment of Chief Operating Officer
Cat rescue champion hits out after Lancaster supermarket removes charity's collection point
Businesses wanting to team up with Eden Project Morecambe invited to drop-in event
LISTEN: Film festival in Lancaster area to show powerful stories of refugees
Disappointment for Lancaster as 2026 International Youth Games called off
New car parking spaces open in Lancaster city centre
Stars to play in celebrity football match in Morecambe in memory of brave teenager
U-turn confirmed on decision to pause Autism and ADHD referrals across Lancaster and Morecambe Bay
Morecambe Promenade will NOT close during £2.6m electricity works
Thumbs up for design changes marks start of "transformative year" for Eden Project Morecambe
Bolton-le-Sands pensioner, 81, targeted in telephone courier fraud banking scam

