The death has been announced of a former long-serving Labour councillor in York, who also served as Lord Mayor.

Wednesday, 6 September 2023 17:59

By Alexander Chadwick @thisisyo1

Former Lord Mayor of York, Derek Smallwood and his late wife Marion during their time in office.

Derek Smallwood, who was 82, passed away peacefully at his home in Market Weighton on Monday, 4th September after a long illness.

Born in Salford in 1940, Derek moved to York in 1964 after meeting his York "lass" and wife of 38 years, Marion. Derek was elected a North Yorkshire County Councillor in 1985 and York City Councillor in 1990. He became a councillor for City of York Council when that authority was created in 1996.

He was Lord Mayor of York from 1998 to 1999, and regarded one of his most notable achievements as reviving and revitalising the Christmas lights in the city. He became an honorary Alderman on retiring through ill health in 2007. Having lost his wife Marion in 1999, Derek remarried to Gwen in 2003.

The funeral will be held at York Crematorium on Thursday 21^st September 2023 at 12.20 pm.

City of York Council have announced that the flag above the Mansion House will fly at half mast on the day of Derek’s funeral, as a mark of respect.

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