WARRINGTON’S new Mayor John Joyce will have divided loyalties representing the town when his civic duties take him to the Halliwell Jones on match days – because he is a lifelong St Helens fan!
But Burtonwood based father of four John, who went to school with Rugby League legend Alex Murphy, is no stranger to divided loyalties as he met his wife Betty at Wilderspool while watching a Warrington v St Helens match supporting opposing sides – and they married a year later!
“Being Warrington’s first citizen is a very proud moment and I am looking forward to my duties,” said 70-year-old John, who worked at Ford’s Halewood plant as an auditor until his retirement.
“My mixed marriage is still working 40 years on so I will have no problems representing Warrington and supporting St Helens on the rugby field.
“But Betty does love rubbing it in every time St Helens lose!”
But John has the last laugh as his sons are all Saints fans!
He says one of his proudest moments during his time on the council was leading it into Unitary Status in 1997 as Labour leader of the council.
Meanwhile he has chosen Warrington Grassroots as his Mayoral charity to help those volunteering in the community.
He was proposed for Mayor by his long time fellow Burtonwood councillor and current leader of the Labour group, Terry O’Neill and seconded by deputy group leader Mike Hannon, who said: “If St Helens win any major trophies this year you can’t have any civic receptions at the town hall!”
Lib Dem councillor Ted Finnegan, who has represented Latchford West since 2000 and been a parish councillor for 20 years, was elected as Deputy Mayor.
New Mayor is a Saint!
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About Author
Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
