New chairman of Lancashire County Council hails Lancashire's bright future
The new Chairman of Lancashire County Council is looking forward to a bright future for the region.
Councillor Tim Ashton will notch up no less than 48 cumulative years in local government during his forthcoming year as chairman, with two decades under his belt on the county council and 28 years as a Fylde Borough Councillor.
A Conservative county councillor for Lytham & Ansdell, an honorary Alderman on Fylde and a former Fylde Borough Councillor for St. John's Ward, Lytham, Cllr Ashton, a former Chairman of Lancashire County Developments Ltd (LCDL), has accepted the role of Chairman of the county council for 2024-25 after serving as its Vice Chairman for 2023-24
He takes over from his predecessor, outgoing Chairman County Councillor Alan Cullens BEM, who took on the mantle of Chairman following the sad passing of the late County Councillor and then-Chairman Keith Iddon last June.
One of nine siblings, Cllr Ashton was educated at Preston Catholic College and served in the Merchant Navy as an engineering cadet before going to Leeds University to study mechanical engineering, subsequently working in the family garden centre and landscaping business for 22 years.
Putting his expertise and experience in the maritime and engineering sector to good use, Cllr Ashton is now a senior lecturer at Fleetwood Nautical College.
He has been married to Sarah since 1986 and the couple have three children, Adam, Jacob and Chloe, as well as three grandchildren.
Over his time in office at Lancashire County Council, Cllr Ashton has been cabinet member for Highways and Transport, championing safe speed limits in residential areas.
Accepting the role of new chairman at the county council's full meeting on Thursday, May 23, Cllr Ashton paid tribute to the late Chairman, County Councillor Keith Iddon, and the dedication of the outgoing Chairman who replaced him, County Councillor Alan Cullens.
Cllr Ashton said:
"This has been an extraordinary year, particularly due to the sad passing of our colleague, Cllr Iddon, who I'm sure would have made a splendid job.
"Consequently, my sincere thanks go to County Councillor Alan Cullens for stepping in at short notice and for doing what can only be described as a wonderful job."
He added:
"This year will be a very interesting year, and my 20th year on the county council.
"I am really looking forward to chairing the full council meetings, and I will treat all members the same, regardless of their political affiliation.
"I sincerely look forward to working with you all for the betterment of our great county, because regardless of our party colours, we all want the best for the people of Lancashire."
Cllr Ashton will be supported in his role as Chairman of Lancashire County Council this year by the new Vice Chairman, County Councillor Alf Clempson, a Conservative councillor for Poulton-le-Fylde.