'He was a great individual': Tributes made to former Preston city councillor who passed away

Mark Yates, a former councillor for the Larches ward, passed away last Thursday, February 18.

He had spent seven years as a ward councillor before standing down in May of 2019 and continuing his support of trade unions and fair workers' rights.

He was first elected in May of 2012 and was chair of the employment committee before his retirement.

And the Mayor of Preston, Councillor David Borrow, has paid a heartfelt tribute to Mark, who he worked with during his time as a county councillor for Larches.

He 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.

"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."

And Labour councillor for Lea and Larches Phil Crowe, who had known Mark for 30 years said: "Mark and I worked at Bae systems until we took voluntary redundancy and immediately after leaving, he stood in the Larches and Savick ward for the Labour party and became a councillor with me in the same ward.

"When anyone contacted him with a problem he was the first to try and resolve it. He hadn’t told a soul he was ill, apart from his daughter Becky and his best man.

"He lost his wife about 15 years ago and missed her every day. He has asked for the Unite union flag to be draped on his coffin."

Labour councillor for Larches, Jennifer Mein added: “Mark was a huge personality, with great integrity. He would help anyone who wanted to be helped - he didn’t suffer fools gladly.

"He was my brilliant election agent, and loyal friend - I thought the world of him, and feel grateful to have known him.”

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