In his political prime David Lancaster was a powerhouse on Salford council. His portfolio during more than 60 years of service included chairman of the housing committee and deputy leader of the Labour regime.
He could be ferocious during council chamber debates and was a key member of cabal which ruled the city in the late 80s, 90s, and early noughties as it witnessed colossal change and regeneration.
Today tributes were paid to Councillor Lancaster, who has died aged 81. Salford MP, Rebecca Long Bailey, said: “Very saddened to hear of the passing of Councillor David Lancaster MBE. For nearly six decades, David gave his life to public service in Salford, championing regeneration, community safety and opportunity for local people.
“His contribution to our city, from the Quays to neighbourhood policing initiatives, leaves a lasting legacy. My thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time. Salford has lost a giant of local government”.
Councillor Lancaster played a key part in saving The Salfordian – a council supported respite home in Southport for people from the city. It was only recently sold. He also campaigned to stop the demolition of the old Salford Police HQ on The Crescent.
A rugby league fan, who followed Wigan, he was also a huge backer of Salford Red Devils when the club looked to the council for support during multiple financial crises.
Councillor Lancaster, MBE, who was thought to be the longest serving councillor in England was presented with a framed map of Salford by the Ceremonial Mayor of Salford Councillor Ann-Marie Humphreys three years ago.
Councillor Lancaster was first elected, aged 21, to Eccles Council in 1965 and served on that council until defeated in the 1968 elections. He was re-elected to Eccles Council in 1969 and to Salford Council on 7 May 1970 to represent Winton.
Harold Wilson and then Edward Heath were Prime Ministers that year. The current Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, who was elected to the role in 2017, was born in 1970.
In 1974, through local government reorganisation, Salford Council became Salford City Council. Councillor Lancaster became a full-time councillor in 1999 and over the years has held a number of different roles with Salford City Council and at Greater Manchester level.
He was awarded an MBE in 2016 for services to the community in Salford and charitable services to elderly people through the Salfordian Hotel Trust, a Southport hotel owned by Salford City Council which provides affordable and accessible breaks for local people.
Councillor Lancaster now represented Barton and Winton, following boundary changes, as well as serving as Executive Support Member for Environment, Neighbourhoods and Community Safety.
He was a founding member of The Lowry Trust, which ensures local people, especially schoolchildren, benefit from opportunities connected with the nationally renowned The Lowry theatre and art gallery complex. Opening The Lowry in October 2000 was a key milestone in the transformation of the former docklands into Salford Quays which is widely regarded as one of the most successful regeneration projects in Europe.
He became deputy council leader in 2003 and was part of a strategic regeneration team which secured £450m in investment for the city and assisted the BBC move to MediaCity. The UK’s largest collection of digital and technology businesses outside London is now based in MediaCity.
Over the years he witnessed Salford transform into the fastest growing city and economy in the north-west of England, with a population and building boom, though the challenges of unemployment, low incomes and housing pressures remain.
Councillor Lancaster, who was working as an area housing manager for Manchester City Council when first elected, said in 2023 he had not expected to serve over half a century as a local councillor.
He said at the time:“Through my work in housing and as a trade unionist I saw there was real need for social and economic change, and I wanted to be part of pushing that forward. I am proud that Salford has pioneered so many initiatives over the years to improve people’s lives.
“Having said that we are well aware we still face huge challenges of poverty and low wages, low skills and aspirations and poor health which limit people’s lives and not enough affordable housing, though the council and its partners are doing all we can to tackle those issues. The strength of our partnership working in Salford is second to none.
“One of my proudest achievements was the launch of Project Gulf in 2010 which brought the council and Greater Manchester Police together with housing, justice and health to disrupt and deal with organised crime gangs and steer young people into more positive life choices. Gulf has since been copied up and down the country and has proved invaluable in the fight against organised crime.”
Councillor John Warmisham said: “I first came across David when he was my housing manager at Manchester City Council and I was working for Direct works. Firm but fair.
“Then when I was elected my first meeting was the housing committee which David was chair of. He was great with me as a young councillor and mentored me, so much so that I took over as Chair of Housing from him.
“He was a character, you could have a blazing stand up row with him in committee, then a few hours later be having a laugh with him over a pint. He was always great company socially. Totally committed to the city and its development, Salford owes him a lot. He will be greatly missed.”
Councillor John Mullen said: “He had amazing foresight, when councils were told to divest themselves of care homes, he foresaw the opportunity to create the Salfordian Hotel, which up until last year gave many a holiday to people who were less well off or disabled.
“He was a man of the people, he cared about his residents so much, it’s a massive loss, we’re all shocked, stunned.
“You can’t imagine the amount of people that he’s helped, people know him, he’s a man of the people, approachable, you could knock on his door anytime.
“He was adamant all the time that we engage with the community, hold public meetings, and let people have their say. He’s a giant of a man and I don’t know how we’ll find anything remotely like him to step up, it’s a great loss.
“David with his long experience was always giving us tips on how to navigate local politics and red tape, he was vastly experienced and full of information, if we were ever struggling with which direction to take casework you could always rely on David to give you a pointer which you might not have thought about before.
“He was a massive fan of Salford rugby club, lifelong, that was definitely his joy.”
In 2023 Councillor Lancaster continued to encourage young people to consider becoming councillors and said it is “important to have mixed representation” on a council. “The most important thing is that you’ve got to care,” he said.
“You’ve got to care about your community and take pride in the area you live.”
