Tributes after death of Labour stalwart awarded MBE for services to politics

Monday, 23 February 2026 12:42

By Greg Lambert @greglam72

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."

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