1937-1938, Peter Newton, Mayor of Leigh

1937-1938, Peter Newton, Mayor of Leigh

Peter was born in Plank Lane. He received his early education at Plank Lane United Methodist School and later at the Leigh Technical School.

He worked for 20 years at Plank Lane Collieries. He was a prominent trade unionist and was financial secretary of the Plank Lane Branch of the Miner’s Union and due to the retirement of Alderman W Brickley was appointed general secretary.

Later he left the colliery and became an agent for the Co-operative Assurance Society.

He was a member of the Labour Group on the Leigh Town Council and represented St. Peter’s Ward from 1924. He had over 27 years on the Council and was a member of many important committees, notably the chair of the Highways Committee.

He was appointed as the Mayor of Leigh in 1937 and on the 18 May 1938 he and his wife had the honour of receiving King George VI and Queen Elizabeth during their visit to Lancashire.

In 1934 he was appointed a Borough Magistrate and a County Magistrate in 1937, and on the death of Alderman W. Blackshaw he was promoted to Alderman Bench.

He was interested in education and had been the chair of the Leigh Education Committee.

Mr. Newton also had a life-long connection with Plank Lane Methodist Church and was both a trustee and chair, Superintendent of the Sunday School and a local preacher for many years.

He was also a member of the Board of Management of the Leigh Friendly Co-operative Society.

From 1913 to 1916, the years when the great coal strikes had occurred, Peter was a loyal character and acted as a picket during the strike, even though he ran the risk of being arrested.

Peter died following a major operation in Leigh Infirmary in 1952. He had a wife and a daughter.                                                                                    

References

Biographical cuttings – Peter Newton – Leigh Local Studies.