THE long-awaited statue of the legendary Blackburn MP, Barbara Castle, has finally been unveiled today (October 9).

There was a buzz around Jubilee Square from around midday as children from Blackburn Youth Zone and One Voice put on an impressive performance – walking through the town centre streets and singing along to the soundtrack from Made in Dagenham, a film which chronicles some of Baroness Castle’s finest work.

At around 1pm, the deputy leader of the Labour Party, Angela Rayner, arrived to a warm reception from former MP for Blackburn Jack Straw – who succeeded Baroness Castle in 1979 – and Kate Hollern, the current MP for Blackburn.

Lancashire Telegraph: FRIENDS: Jack Straw and Angela Rayner embrace ahead of the statue unveilingFRIENDS: Jack Straw and Angela Rayner embrace ahead of the statue unveiling

Mr Straw said of the unveiling: “This is a great moment. I owe Barbara almost everything because as a result of going to work for her out of the blue in 1974, it was through her patronage that I ended up becoming a member of parliament for the finest constituency in the country, here in Blackburn.

“Barbara was an extraordinary figure, a real force of nature. For example, she said she didn’t want to do women’s issues because women were put into a sort of ghetto.

“Barbara on the other hand was absolutely determined to make her way in what was then a man’s world. This statue is absolutely fantastic and a marvellous thing for the town.”

Ms Rayner said: “When I first went into parliament, I found the lady garden and was amused by it and some of the language that they have there and the places where only men could go – it was quite archaic.

“I imagine it was very much like that for Barbara when she first arrived on the scene, being a ginger like myself, being a bit northern, a bit outspoken and a bit controversial.

“I like that, because it’s people like Barbara that inspired me to say what you mean and mean what you say and always be true to the people that elect you.

“She was an absolute treasure not just to Blackburn, but to the whole of the United Kingdom.

“I think the statue is great. I love how she’s got the equality act papers in her hand, and she’s not gone for a full heel either, just a smaller one because she knew she’d be on her feet a lot in the office. That’s certainly something I can relate to.”

Lancashire Telegraph: UNVEILED: Jack Straw, Angela Rayner and sculptor Sam Holland as the statue was unveiledUNVEILED: Jack Straw, Angela Rayner and sculptor Sam Holland as the statue was unveiled

Kate Hollern, the current MP for Blackburn, tweeted: "What an absolute honour it was to attend today’s unveiling of the fantastic statue of Barbara Castle.

"Barbara is an iconic figure both in the history of Blackburn and of the whole country and I was delighted to welcome Labour Deputy Leader, Angela Rayner, to today’s event."

Cllr Phil Riley said: “It’s been a long time coming what with the pandemic delaying things.

“But what a fabulous use of this space here on the square, next to Reel Cinema which is fantastic too. I must say, Sam Holland, who has sculpted this, deserves recognition and she is one of the best artists around.

“It’s great for the people of Blackburn to have some civic pride – we should be proud of the great people who make this town what it is and long may that continue.”

Sculptor Sam said she had been working on the statue, which depicts the politician striding forward with a copy of the Equal Pay Act in her arms, on the 50th anniversary of the legislation last year.

She said: “I had a real intense moment of catharsis.

“I know how feisty she was and all her accomplishments, not only locally but throughout her career.

“She was a real high flyer in Government and people are really proud of that and are very proud of having had Barbara as their MP.”

Baroness Castle also introduced the breathalyser test and the seatbelt as transport minister in the 1960s.

After people had clamoured to get pictures of and with the statue along with selfies with the famous politicians of past and present – refreshments were offered to all inside Reel Cinema as people mingled, chatted and remembered the everlasting legacy of Barbara Castle, Member of Parliament for Blackburn between 1945 and 1975, who died in 2002.