Death of former Mayor Cllr. Les Morgan

FORMER Mayor of Warrington Cllr Les Morgan has sadly died.

His funeral will take place on 3rd March 2023. The funeral cortege will make its way past the town hall at around 2pm. The service will take place at St James Church on Wilderspool Causeway at 2:30 pm.

Warrington-born and bred Cllr Morgan was appointed as Warrington Borough Council’s 134th Mayor in May 2017.

The former doorman worked at various nightclubs around the town in his younger days and was a trade union stalwart.

Cllr Morgan, aged 80, represented the Latchford West Ward, was married to his wife Gwyn for 46 years with four children and eight grandchildren.
A former trade union official he previously worked for the GMB union. He was also a long-standing campaigner in the Warrington community who has a particular interest in protecting the most vulnerable residents. He was a founder member of St Werburgh’s community hub.

Paying tribute current Mayor of Warrington, Cllr Jean Flaherty, hailed the enduring impact of Cllr Morgan’s work in the community, serving his residents with devoted commitment.
Cllr Flaherty said: “Cllr Morgan was a true community champion who was highly respected by those who worked with him and benefitted from his dedicated support.
“He was a proud councillor and worked with staunchness to support the residents he represented. He typified everything a local councillor should be – hard working, loyal, committed, and willing to roll up his sleeves.
“He had a great love for Warrington and its people and will be truly missed.”
During his time in office, he raised £14,000 for the MS Society (Warrington) Street Pastors (Warrington) Young suicide prevention charity Papyrus and Warrington Foodbank.
He served on a number of committees as councillor, including Development Management Committee, Health Scrutiny Committee and was also chair of the Licensing Committee.
The flag at the Town Hall will fly at half-mast in recognition of Cllr Morgan’s service to the council and to Warrington.

Fellow Latchford Cllrs Hans and Karen Mundry said: “We are sorry to hear the sad news. We have known Cllr Les Morgan for a long time from his Trade Union days, leading to his community champion role. He will be sadly missed. Our thoughts are with his family.”
Fellow Latchford West ward councillor, Maureen McLaughlin, said: “Les was a true community champion and we worked closely together in Latchford West for over ten years. He was proud to be elected as a local councillor in 2014 and was passionate about helping local residents and bringing improvements to the local area. He had his own unique style, and was rarely without a joke or a smile. I will miss him greatly, and send my deepest condolences to his wife Gwyn and all the family.”
Labour’s Warrington South Parliamentary candidate and fellow councillor Sarah Hall, said: “I was deeply saddened to hear that Les has passed away. Les has left a legacy as a hardworking councillor embedded in his community, supporting older people and making a difference to the lives of everyone across Latchford West. I want to send my heartfelt sympathy to Gwyn and family at this difficult time.”
Chair of the Warrington South Labour Party, Councillor Janet Henshaw, said: “Les was always guaranteed to light up the room, he will be missed by all his friends in the Warrington South Labour Party. Many of our members will have fond memories of Les. He will never be forgotten as a longtime committed member of the Labour Party.”
Leader of Warrington Borough Council, Councillor Russ Bowden, said: “We were all saddened to learn about the death of our dear friend and colleague, Councillor Les Morgan. Our thoughts are with his wife Gwyn and his whole family at this incredibly difficult time.
Chair of Warrington Borough Council Labour Group, Councillor John Kerr-Brown said: “Les was a long-serving and respected councillor in his community. He will be sadly missed by his friends, colleagues and the whole Warrington Labour Group. I would like to send mine and the Labour Groups sincere condolences to his family.”

Other colleagues have taken to social media to pay tribute.
One of the first was Cllr Amanda King who posted:”To my darling Les Morgan 🥰 such a sad day. I will miss you always. 🥲 love to Gwyn all your family and friends. You taught me so much and dedicated your life to helping others.”