Tragic death of young dad and volunteer coastguard
PLUS: It's Reform UK from now on for one councillor on Blackpool Council
Hello and welcome to The Blackpool Lead.
Today we report on the tragic death of Joshua Willder - whose death caused an outpouring of grief from the community thanks in part to his role as a volunteer with the Lytham St. Annes Lifeboat crew.
Reporting from inquests can be challenging but it can be important to ensure no misinformation spreads regarding a person’s death - even if an inquest concludes that nobody is to blame.
What’s clear is that Joshua was a very well-liked young man and his death is a tragic one.
We also report on the defection of Blackpool councillor Emma Ellison from the Conservatives to Reform UK. Unlike many of her fellow councillors who have defected, voters will not be given the chance to show their approval or disapproval for her actions in the near future.
Readers will be used to receiving our local history pieces every second Wednesday - so just to let you know these will now be sent to you instead on a Friday. This week’s will focus on the history behind the construction of Blackpool Tower.
Volunteer, mechanic and father: The tragic death of much-loved Joshua Willder
By Jamie Lopez
The death of a young dad and volunteer coastguard should not be recorded as suicide, an inquest has concluded.
Joshua Willder, 26 from Lytham St Annes, ended his own life in September 2024 but a coroner said he could not be sure he intended to take his own life.
Instead, he recorded a narrative conclusion which factored in alcohol, low mood and an impulsive behaviour which first started after Joshua suffered a brain injury 10 years ago.
The inquest, held at Blackpool Town Hall, heard that Joshua, 26, and his family had attended a wedding on September 12 and that he had seemed in good spirits throughout the day.
After his family left at around 9.30pm, he decided to stay longer as he had been enjoying himself and it is not known how long he stayed.
The next morning, he was found dead at home having ended his own life.
According to a statement from his mum, Emma Willder, Joshua had struggled with the death of his father in April of the same year but had no desire to seek support and had appeared to be coping.
His family agreed with a suggestion from Alan Wilson, senior coroner for Blackpool and Fylde, that Joshua’s fluctuating mood was typical for anyone grieving such a loss.
The day before his death had prompted no concerns, with Mrs Willder telling the inquest: “He was the life and soul of the party, he was laughing and dancing around and everything.”
The inquest heard that at age 16, Joshua was involved in a crash in which he suffered a brain injury and was forced to spend a month at the Royal Preston Hospital. After his discharge, he was observed to be more forgetful and more impulsive than previously.
Concluding the hearing, Mr Wilson said this should be considered, as should the effects of alcohol. To record a suicide conclusion, he explained, it must be probable that Joshua intended to end his life.
“Can you have a clear intention when three times the [drink-drive] limit?” he said, referring to the toxicology results.
Mr Wilson said: “He was clearly a much-loved young man and I should also commend him for his work at the RNLI. He was a volunteer, he was also a mechanic so he’s clearly made a contribution to an important institution.”
After his death, the RNLI Lytham St Annes paid tribute to him, saying: “Josh joined Lytham St. Annes Lifeboat crew in 2019. He was a valued and highly-respected member of our crew and he will be greatly missed. Fair winds and following seas.
“The station's condolences go to his family and friends.”
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Reform UK has its second Blackpool councillor
By Shelagh Parkinson
A Blackpool Conservative councillor has defected to Reform UK saying she feels “let down” by the Tories.
Cllr Emma Ellison, who was elected to represent Norbreck ward at the May 2023 local elections, will now become the second Reform UK councillor on Blackpool Council.
She joins Cllr Jim O’Neill who became the council’s first Reform UK councillor after winning the Marton by-election in October 2024, taking the seat from Labour.
Cllr Ellison, who has been a member of the Conservative party since 2017, said she “feels let down by so many broken promises.”
She added: “I have for a while been increasingly frustrated with the Conservative Party over the last few years and feel that we need some real change and I believe that Reform can deliver that change both locally and nationally.
“I look forward to working with Cllr O’Neill on Blackpool Council and will continue to represent the residents I serve in Norbreck.”
Cllr O’Neill said: “I am delighted to have Emma join Reform UK and join me at council, but she won’t be the last. Talks continue with other councillors, from both sides of the chamber, as common sense transcends political dogma.”
Cllr Paul Galley, leader of the Conservatives on Blackpool Council, said: “Cllr Ellison has chosen to join a divided Reform Party which has no Blackpool policies in contrast to the Blackpool Conservatives who have a One Blackpool strategy to reduce council tax, invest in all Blackpool wards, reopen a library and be a positive force for good in both Blackpool and the country as a whole.
“Many Norbreck residents are saying they feel let down by the action Cllr Ellison has chosen to take and will be calling for a by-election.”
A Reform spokesperson said: “We’re delighted Emma has joined us. We welcome anyone who shares our vision for integrity, accountability, and meaningful change to join us.
“We are thrilled to welcome a true patriot and public servant into our ranks. More and more local councillors are coming to Reform UK for the changes Labour and the Tories could never accomplish.”
Thank you for reading The Blackpool Lead. You’ll hear from us again on Friday - and then on Sunday.
We hope you enjoy your week.
Luke, Jamie, Ed, Sophie and the team.