John Letford facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Letford
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Letford in 2011
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| Lord Provost of Dundee | |
| In office 2001–2012 |
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| Preceded by | Helen Wright |
| Succeeded by | Bob Duncan |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 5 March 1935 Aberdeen, Scotland |
| Residences | Dundee, Scotland |
John Ross Letford (born March 5, 1935) is a Scottish politician. He was the Lord Provost of Dundee for eleven years, from 2001 to 2012. This made him the longest-serving civic leader in the UK since the 1800s! He also served as a local councillor for the Lochee area. Mr. Letford currently lives in the Charleston part of Dundee.
Contents
Early Life and Career
John Letford was born in Aberdeen, Scotland. In 1943, when he was eight years old, his family moved to Dundee.
Learning a Trade
After moving to Dundee, John Letford started an apprenticeship. He trained to be a marine coppersmith at the Caledon Shipbuilding & Engineering Company shipyard. This meant he learned how to work with copper on ships.
Serving His Country
From 1956 to 1958, John Letford served in the Royal Air Force. This is the UK's air force.
Working in Training
In 1989, he began a new job. He became a training manager at Community Industry Rathbone. He worked there for 15 years.
Political Career
John Letford became involved in politics. He was a councillor for the Tayside Regional Council. He also became the Chairman for the Labour Party in Camperdown.
Joining Dundee City Council
He started working with Dundee City Council in 1994. Before becoming Lord Provost, he was the Deputy Lord Provost.
Becoming Lord Provost
In June 2001, John Letford was elected as the Lord Provost of Dundee. He took over from Helen Wright. He won the vote 15 to 11 against David Bowes. Three Conservative councillors supported him.
Re-election and Independence
John Letford was re-elected as Lord Provost after the local elections in 2007. On March 24, 2009, he decided to leave the Labour Group on Dundee City Council. After this, he became an independent councillor. This means he made decisions on his own, not as part of a political group.
Awards and Later Life
In 2012, John Letford received a special award. He was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE). This award was given for his great service to local government. In 2016, he released his own book about his life.
