Tributes to 'formidable' Blackburn councillor, Gail Barton, who has died aged 66

Gail Barton, who served on Blackburn with Darwen Council for 22 years, died at home on Monday.

She served as a councillor for the Mill Hill and Moorgate wards, following in the footsteps of her father, Jack Bury, who was a councillor in Higher Croft and also served as Mayor of Blackburn.

Her sister, Pam Clarkson, said: "Gail and dad were on the council together at the same time.

"And then when he became Mayor, I became Mayoress as Gail wouldn't take the role.

"It was probably one of the reasons she didn't want to be Mayoress - because she was formidable on the council and she didn't want anything to affect that.

"Gail had been suffering from some ill health over the last 18 months, but her death was unexpected.

"We were a very close family, and I saw Gail every single day and I am going to miss her very much."

A spokesperson for Blackburn's Labour Party said: "It is with great sadness that we report the loss of former longstanding Blackburn Councillor, Gail Barton, who has passed away.

"Gail served as Mill Hill and previously Moorgate councillor for a period of almost twenty years, following in the footsteps of her father, Jack Bury who had been a councillor in Higher Croft.

"On leaving the council in 2002 Gail had risen to the position of executive member for resources.

"Gail, a Blackburn College worker, was a very well known Labour member with a robust personality and a style all of her own.

"She will be much missed.

"Condolences from all at Blackburn Labour Party to Gail's family."

Cllr Maureen Bateson said she was very sad to hear of the loss of a good friend.

She said: "I am really sorry to hear this. Gail and I go back a long way.

"We got onto the council at the same time for the same ward, and were a formidable women's team.

"She was larger than life in many ways, and she was a friend.

"She would often ring up and we would have a chat. Her family are devastated.

"Gail and her sister Pam were deeply involved with the Jack Bury Trust, set up in memory of their father. Pam ran the trust and Gail was the supportive element.

"It's really hard to talk about someone who was a friend...I have known her for many years...she was formidable...a good friend who always battled to get things done in the town and for people.

"Really sad to hear. My thoughts are with all her family especially Pam and Lee. RIP Gail."

Cllr Damian Talbot said Gail and Cllr Bateson were a 'formidable duo' on the council, and made a lasting impression on him when he first started his career.

Cllr Jackie Ann Floyd said: "Rest In Peace Gail, love to her family. You were a leading light when I moved to Blackburn."

Former Blackburn councillor John Milburn posted on Facebook: "Shocked to hear this, terrible news.

"Gail was a good friend and colleague.

"I learned a lot from her during the first six years I served on the council.

"My thoughts go out to you and your family at this sad time."

Gail leaves behind sister, Pam, son, Lee, and grandchildren Sol, Daisy, Rio and Bethany.

Her family are still making arrangements for Gail's funeral, details of which will be released in the next few days.