City pays tribute to former mayor and councillor

Tributes have been paid to former councillor, mayor and honorary alderman, Abbott Bryning, who has sadly passed away.

Abbott was very well known in Lancaster, having served on the city council for 56 years. He was first elected in May 1967 and stood down in 2023. During that time he served on many council committees and in 2009 as Leader for a short time.

Abbott was also Mayor of Lancaster twice in 1980 and 1998, with his beloved wife Elsie as his Mayoress. When Abbott stood down in 2023 he was made an Honorary Alderman and also bestowed with the Honorary Freedom of the City to recognise his contribution to Lancaster.

The current mayor of Lancaster, Councillor Colin Hartley, said: “Abbott was a bastion of local democracy and his loss will be felt across the political spectrum and the community as a whole. I’m sure I speak on behalf of the whole council when I say he will be missed by all who knew him. My sincere condolences go to all of his friends and family.”

A minute’s silence will be held at the next meeting of full council on September 23. The City Flag will be flown at half mast at both town halls on the day of the funeral.

Last updated: 21 September 2026