Tribute to Councillor David Lancaster MBE

“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Councillor David Lancaster MBE, a true stalwart of Salford's Labour Party and lifelong trade unionist, whose contribution to our city spans an extraordinary 60 years of public service. His dedication, consistency and sense of duty shaped our city across generations, epitomised by a strong work ethic, collective responsibility, a strong public sector ethos and relentless commitment to Salford, its residents, families, children & young people and diverse communities. 

Over those six decades, Councillor Lancaster experienced so many proud and at times humbling moments, each one contributing to the story of a man who served Salford with unwavering commitment.  As one of the longest serving councillor in England, Councillor Lancaster's public service and time in public office is phenomenal reflection of the trust and faith placed in him and Salford's Labour Party by the people he represented.

Councillor Lancaster began his career remarkably early, first elected to Eccles Council in 1965 at just 21 years old. He went on to serve on Salford City Council representing Winton, passionately advocating for Barton, Winton, Patricroft & Eccles throughout his entire political & public life for the community he lived in and represented.  Councillor Lancaster reminded us all that politics is as much about the everyday as it is the strategic and that local government, local communities and local residents really matter, as demonstrated by his life-long commitment to his local community, family, rugby league and his much-loved team and institution; Salford Reds.  

From the outset Councillor Lancaster was known as someone who was firm but fair, a councillor who understood the responsibility of public office and carried it with absolute dedication, selflessness, while fundamentally understanding the importance of his own agency in making a positive difference to people's lives and the communities he served.

Following local government reorganisation in 1974, Eccles Council became part of the newly formed Salford City Council, and from that moment Councillor Lancaster became a constant presence in the city’s political life. He took the decision to stand down as Area Housing Manager for Manchester City Council and became a full-time councillor in 1999 holding numerous roles both within Salford and across Greater Manchester. Through Councillor Lancaster’s background in housing and as a trade unionist, he saw there was real need for social and economic change and played a pivotal role in pushing that forward. He was rightly proud that Salford had pioneered so many initiatives over the years to improve people’s lives.

His contribution to our city and city-region was immense.  As a founder member of The Lowry Trust, he helped shape one of Salford’s most significant cultural institutions. Councillor Lancaster became Deputy Leader of the City Council in 2003 and was part of the strategic regeneration team that secured £450 million of investment for the city and supported the BBC’s move to MediaCity, now home to the largest cluster of digital and technology businesses outside London. These achievements were among the many proud moments of his long career, each reflecting his belief in Salford’s potential and his determination to see it thrive.

In 2016, Councillor Lancaster was awarded an MBE for his services to the Salford community, his charitable work supporting elderly people, and his long standing contribution to the Salfordian Hotel Trust. It was a fitting recognition of a lifetime dedicated to improving the lives of others.

In our city's 100th year, Salford has lost a dedicated public servant whose influence can be seen across the city’s transformation and growth. Many have lost a respected colleague and true friend who stood his ground, spoke plainly, never forgot why he entered public life and truly embodied the Spirit of Salford. Councillor Lancaster’s legacy is built on decades of proud service which will endure in the city he served so faithfully. It is our duty now to continue his formidable legacy! 

On behalf of councillors, officers of the council and residents across the city, our thoughts are with his family and friends at this very sad time.”