Council make up
Council make-up
Blackpool Council comprises of 42 elected members, otherwise called councillors. There are 2 councillors for each of the 21 wards, serving for a period of 4 years.
Councillors can represent a political party or stand independently. Further information including links to political party websites and guidance on registering political parties can be obtained from the Electoral Commission (a national independent body).
Leader and cabinet
At Blackpool, we operate a leader and cabinet system known as the executive, which is part of the council and is responsible for most day-to-day decisions.
It is made up of a leader and a cabinet of nine other councillors whom the leader has appointed.
The leader of the council has also appointed one of these cabinet members as his deputy.
Each member of the executive has an area of individual responsibility .
Overall charge
The Labour Party is currently in overall charge of Blackpool Council and the current political make-up of the council is:
Blackpool Council political make-up
Leader and deputy leader
Labour - 23 councillors Group Leader, Councillor Simon Blackburn
Deputy Group Leader, Councillor Gillian Campbell
Conservative - 15 councillors Group Leader, Councillor Tony Williams
Deputy Group Leader, Councillor Don Clapham
Independent - 2 councillors
Non-aligned Independent - 2 councillors
Ward councillors represent the local community and can raise issues affecting the area in which they serve.
These issues can range from faulty street lights to campaigns for a new community centre.
They serve on the council and its committees and can also act as a representative for the council on other bodies.
Councillors do not receive a salary although they can receive an allowance to help offset expenses or loss of earnings.
You are able to find out more details about allowances and interests.