Tributes paid to Chairman and County Councillor Keith Iddon
We are deeply saddened to learn that our Chairman, County Councillor Keith Iddon, has sadly died at home yesterday.
Keith was appointed as chairman, a non-political position, in May, following a successful year as vice-chairman.
At the time, Keith said he was "very proud and honoured" to become chairman of Lancashire County Council in its 50th anniversary year.
Keith began life as a public servant in 2006, when he was voted in at Chorley Borough Council, where he remained until his death.
He was first voted in as a county councillor in 2009, and was the county council's lead member for children, young people and schools and cabinet member for highways and transport. He was also deputy leader of the county council in 2019 until 2021 and its vice chairman last year.
During his four-year tenure in highways, Keith oversaw a major road schemes such as the Penwortham bypass and the Broughton bypass.
Growing up in the rural village of Croston, near Chorley, Keith developed a passion for motorcycles and trucks as a teen. Following in the footsteps of his father, Keith embarked on a long career in the haulage industry before setting up the family business, formerly K&P Transport Limited, which is now run by twin sons, William and John Iddon, both 39.
Despite turning to politics, he still owned a current HGV licence and undertook short stints as a truck driver on the weekends.
Keith will be greatly missed by so many of us. Our thoughts and condolences are with Keith's family and friends at this difficult and sad time.
Phillippa Williamson, Leader of Lancashire County Council, paid her condolences to Keith's family, friends and colleagues.
She said: "County Councillor Keith Iddon was a respected councillor and a good friend.
"A lifelong supporter of the conservative party, he was first elected to Lancashire County Council in 2009, and soon became a great champion for the county, showing passion and unlimited enthusiasm in everything he did.
"He was recently appointed as Chairman of Lancashire County Council and was looking forward to using his time in office to bring new investment, growth and business to Lancashire. His sudden death is a great loss to the county council and to the people he loved to serve.
"Our condolences go out to his family and friends. He will be sadly missed by his colleagues across Lancashire
"As a mark of respect, the flag at County Hall, Preston will be flown at half-mast on the day of his funeral."
County Councillor, Azhar Ali OBE, Leader of the Labour group, paid his respects following the news of Councillor Iddon's passing.
He said: "Myself and colleagues from the Labour group across Lancashire are deeply saddened by the news of Keith's sudden death.
"Keith brought wide experience and great skills to his role as a public servant, especially having experience in industry before entering into local politics. Those skills and experience made him an invaluable part of our wider council team.
"He was a much respected colleague and friend to many, and my thoughts are with Keith's wife, his children and the wider family at this most difficult time."
You can sign our book of condolences for Keith Iddon here: https://www.lancashire.gov.uk/county-councillor-keith-iddon/