Civic life in Manchester came to a standstill today as people gathered to pay their respects to the Lord Mayor of Manchester Councillor James Ashley JP, who has died just three months into his term of office.
Friends and political foes alike packed out Manchester Town Hall's Great Hall for the funeral service. Among those attending were the nine other Mayors from around Greater Manchester. The humanist service featured music, poetry and tributes from colleagues and those who knew James.
Deputy Leader of Manchester Liberal Democrats Councillor Paul Shannon said:
"The Lord Mayor was a patriot and for twenty years a smashing local Councillor. He would be touched to know how highly he was thought of. James will be very much missed."
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