Mayor of Preston, Councillor David Borrow, has paid tribute to former City Councillor Mark Yates, who passed away on Thursday 18 February.

A passionate trade unionist, Mr Yates was a Councillor for the Larches ward for seven years until 2019.

In his tribute, Cllr Borrow described former Cllr Yates as a ‘great individual’, and said he will be sadly missed.

Cllr Borrow said: “I was saddened to hear of Mark’s death, as were many of my fellow Councillors.

“During my time as a County Councillor for Larches I got to know Mark well and appreciated his hard work and support and the way he was such a great team player. My heartfelt condolences are with Mark’s daughter, Rebecca, also a former City Councillor, as well as with all his family and friends.

“Mark was a passionate ward Councillor for Larches for seven years, until standing down in May 2019.

“Serving on many committees and task groups at the Council, he was very well liked and respected by his constituents and fellow Councillors. Long before joining the Council, Mark was an ardent supporter of trade unions, with a strong commitment to supporting workers’ rights including fair pay and conditions.

“In the many tributes paid to Mark following this sad news, one message rings clear: Mark was a great individual and will be sadly missed. May he rest in peace.”

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