Blackpool couple set for mayoral ceremony this week

A married couple who are both councillors will be taking up their chains of office as the mayor and mayoress of Blackpool this week.

Veteran councillor Danny Scott will be installed as mayor when Blackpool Council holds its Annual Meeting on Wednesday, while wife Michele will become mayoress.

Danny Scott, who represents Warbreck ward for the Conservatives, was first elected onto Blackpool Council in May 2015. Michele, who also represents Warbreck, was elected in 2017.

He was proposed as Mayor Elect at a full council meeting back in February, when Cllr Lynn Williams, Leader of Blackpool Council. said: “I’m happy to move the recommendation to agree that Cllr Danny Scott is invited to offer himself for election as Mayor at the Annual Meeting in Mayor on May 13.”

Cllr Paul Galley, leader of Blackpool’s Conservative opposition, told the current Mayor, Cllr Kim Critchley: “I’m delighted to second Danny Scott to be our next Mayor, he follows a wonderful mayor in yourself and we look forward to the speeches on the day.”

And he introduced Cllr Michele Scott, who commented: “I suppose I ought to declare a personal interest, given that he’s my husband!”

Before joining the council, Danny worked as a prison officer and served in the Royal Navy.

The couple showed great fortitude back in 2023 when they were injured in a random attack by a complete stranger while talking to a constituent in Gynn Park, North Shore.

Despite being shaken by the incident, they continued with their roles in public office. A teenager was later convicted of assault.

Michele said this week: “We’re both looking forward to the role. Danny has spent his life as a public servant since 1971 and this will be a fitting culmination of his time as a councillor.”

The pair will succeed the outgoing mayor, Cllr Kim Critchley, who has enjoyed a successful year in the role, supported by her consort, Cllr Mel Fenlon.

The deputy mayor and mayoress for 2026/7 will be another married couple who are both members of Blackpool Council, Cllrs Carl and Diane Mitchell.

Carl represents Squires Gate, while Diane is a councillor for Waterloo ward.