THE last Mayor of a historic borough and the First Citizen of its larger all-purpose replacement has died.

Former councillor Peter Greenwood was leader of Blackburn District Council as it began to negotiate its way out of the Lancashire County authority in the 1990’s.

After the deal was completed, he was made Mayor for 1997/1998 which included the first month of the new Blackburn with Darwen Borough, a unitary authority which took control of key powers including education and highways.

Mr Greenwood, a Labour councillor for two decades, was married to Dorothy for 55 years and died in the Royal Blackburn Hospital suddenly and unexpectedly on Wednesday.

He had three sons, Michael, Gary and Andrew who died seven years ago.

Mr Greenwood suffered kidney disease for the last 10 years of his life.

Current Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen and former Conservative leader of the council, Colin Rigby, said: “Peter was an excellent leader of the borough helping negotiate the creation of the unitary authority with great skill.

“He will be much missed and achieved much the people of Blackburn and Darwen can be be grateful for.”

Mrs Greenwood said: “Peter was dedicated man, especially to politics and making people’s live’s better.”

His son Michael said: “My father was very gregarious and always had a witty reply to opponents in the cut and thrust of political life.”

Born in Mill Hill, Mr Greenwood attend St Peter’s Primary and St Alban’s Secondary schools before becoming an engineer.

After a period at Ruskin College Oxford studying politics, he became a welfare rights adviser and councillor for first Cathedral Ward and then Audley, being awarded the CBE in 1997.

Cllr Mohammed Khan, leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: “I was very sad to hear that Peter had died. He served town and borough with distinction over many years.”

Blackburn MP Kate Hollern said: “Peter was well known for his hard work and dedication. As council leader his contribution was significant at an important time of transition.”

His funeral will be at Pleasington Crematorium on Friday with donations to the National Kidney Federation.

He was also chairman of the Association of District Councils from 1994 to 1996.