Peter Rankin is the leader of Preston City Council

Here’s our latest post in the series looking at getting to know the city’s councillors:

Name? Peter Rankin

Age? 62

Which ward do you represent? Tulketh

How long have you represented the ward? Since 2008

Do you live in the ward/How long have you lived in the ward? Have lived just outside the ward in Ashton since 2003.

Do you still work? If so, what do you do? No – retired, although being a councillor and Leader of the Council is virtually a full-time job.

If you’ve retired, what did you used to do? Worked at UCLan, latterly as Head of Employability and Student Advice Services.

What’s your favourite thing about your ward/or place to visit in your ward? Tulketh is an interesting ward with the Plungington shops at the eastern end and Lane End shops at the west. The superb canal with tow path that runs through the ward is my favourite part of the ward.

Describe your perfect day spent in and around Preston (what would you do, where would you go?) A perfect day for me would be cycling around the Guild Wheel, stopping at Brockholes Nature Reserve, our wonderful Avenham / Miller Parks and a drink and meal at the Continental.

What are you most proud of since you became a councillor? I’m proud as Leader at how, since we took control in 2011, the Labour administration has managed to make the Council more efficient and yet still maintain the quality of our services, including parks and leisure services, despite government cuts of many millions. I’m proud that we have also implemented new policies, part of the Labour Party’s manifesto in 2011 and 2012, in spite of financial constraints.

What one thing would you change about Preston? Only one? For a start, enough money to totally refurbish the bus station and turn it into a modern transport facility would make everyone happy!

How do you see Preston’s future? Preston’s future as a Guild city is bright. We have more going for us than any other place in Lancashire. We just need more support from government and the private sector to realise our ambitions.

What do you do when you’re not being a councillor or at work? Gardening, cycling and reading. I also enjoy listening to opera and Bruce Springsteen.