'Inspiring' Lancaster Liberal Democrat leader and pro-EU campaigner dies, aged 80

Michael Mumford, leader of the Liberal Democrat group on Lancaster City Council, died peacefully on Sunday June 28 after a long illness.
Coun Michael Mumford.Coun Michael Mumford.
Coun Michael Mumford.

Tributes have been paid to father-of-two Coun Mumford, who lived in Belle Vue Avenue, Lancaster, and has represented Kellet Ward on the city council since May 2019.

Liberal Democrat chair Peter Jackson said: "It is with great sadness that Liberal Democrats in Lancaster and Morecambe report the death of Councillor Michael Mumford, peacefully after a long illness.

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Michael was elected in May 2019 to represent Kellet Ward, succeeding his friend Roger Mace, who had represented Kellet for many years.

"His narrow victory by six votes was celebrated across the spectrum of local politics.

"Michael chaired the local party until his election win and was also active and energetic in pro EU campaigns."He will be remembered as a man of strong liberal principles, who campaigned vigorously for his party and his beliefs, but was invariably kind and gracious.

"He was liked and respected by all who met him in his political life and in his working life at Lancaster University Business School, and subsequently in a company developing innovative blood testing methods.

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"His wisdom, his generosity and his support will be much missed by party colleagues. Many of us were inspired into active politics by him, and we remember him with great affection.

"Michael leaves two daughters, our thoughts are with them in their loss."