Blackbrook ward councillor, Paul McQuade, has been sworn in as Mayor of St Helens Borough for 2020-21.
Blackbrook ward councillor, Paul McQuade, has been sworn in as Mayor of St Helens Borough for 2020-21.
Born and bred in St Helens, Councillor McQuade grew up in Blackbrook, the area he has represented since being elected on to the council in 2006 – attending St. Mary’s infant and junior school before going onto St Anselm’s RC school, now known as St. Augustine of Canterbury.
It was also in Blackbrook where, at 15, Councillor McQuade met his wife, Lorraine, with the couple going on to buy their first house together in West End Road, Haydock, in 1987.
Lorraine will join Paul during his year as mayor be carrying out the role as mayoress.
After finishing school, Councillor McQuade – who currently runs a gardening business – has gone onto work in a variety of different jobs including a chrome plater, fabric cutter and at St Helens Council until 2000 to become manager of mobility specialist store, Ableworld, in Eccleston Street which received a £300,000 grant from the National Lottery to become the success it is today.
Speaking of his pride to be given the opportunity to represent St Helens Borough as mayor, Councillor McQuade said:
“As someone who was born and bred in here, it’s an absolute honour to be sworn in to serve the people of St Helens Borough as mayor for 2020/21.
“Unfortunately, due to the current restrictions in place to stop the spread of coronavirus, I won’t be able to get out into the community much at the moment to attend events and meet the amazing people and organisations that are making a real difference in our borough – especially during such challenging times – but I am fully supportive of their work and am always eager to hear from them.”
During his mayoral year, Councillor McQuade will look to raise money for The Sankey Canal Restoration Society (SCARS) – formed in 1985 with the long-term ambition of restoring the famous Sankey Canal which played a crucial role in the Industrial Revolution, and has been identified as a key feature of St Helens Town Centre’s exciting regeneration plans.
“Having had the pleasure of being associated with this worthy cause for a number of years, I know first-hand that it takes a considerable amount of time and effort by this group of dedicated volunteers to enhance the amenity value of Sankey Canal,” Councillor McQuade said.
“I’d also like to take this opportunity to stress the importance of following the current guidelines in place to stop the spread of coronavirus. St Helens Borough is renowned for its community spirit – so we all must play our part in looking after our own and get through this pandemic together.”
This year’s Mayor Making ceremony also saw Jimmy Jackson, ward councillor for Sutton, named Deputy Mayor for 2020-21.
