BLACKBURN MP Kate Hollern has warmly welcomed Theresa May’s backing for a statue of Barbara Castle in the town.
The Prime Minister’s endorsement last week follows Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn revealing he had donated towards the memorial.
The campaign for the statue of the former Blackburn MP hopes to see the bronze sculpture located in the new Jubilee Square in the new Blakey Moor heritage quarter.
Mrs May, the United Kingdom’s second female Prime Minister, told the Lancashire Telegraph: “Barbara Castle played a significant role in British public life and championed the rights of women up and down the country, including through the introduction of the Equal Pay Act.
“It is only fitting that a statue should be erected to honour her legacy and I wish the campaign all the best of success.”
Mrs Hollern said: “I am delighted Mrs May is supporting the project to recognise Barbara Castle.”
She was MP for Blackburn from 1945 to 1979 and held five high-profile government posts.
As transport minister Baroness Castle introduced the breathalyser, confirmed the 70mph maximum speed limit and legislated for seat belts on new cars and as Employment Secretary she introduced the Equal Pay Act in 1970.
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