Ex-Mayor who beat the party machine

THE death has occurred of a former Mayor of Warrington who proved that it is, sometimes, possible for an individual to stand up against a party machine and win.
Ron Crocker, was elected Mayor in May, 1969 and was a member of the council for 23 years, representing the Fairfield ward where he ran a sub post office in Padgate Lane.
For most of his time on the council he was a Conservative. But for a few years, prior to becoming Mayor and following a dispute with his party, he served as an Independent, polling more votes than the Tory and Labour candidates in his ward combined!
He also helped found an Independent Group, which tried and almost succeeded to win other seats on the borough council.
He eventually made his peace with the Conservatives, rejoined and became Mayor. It was rumoured at the time that this was his price for making peace with the party.
Later in his political career, however, he went to extraordinary lengths – quite literally – to keep the Tories in power.
On his retirement from the post office he moved to Cleveleys but for three years made regular 100-mile round trips back to Warrington to attend council meetings. Labour and Conservative both had 29 seats but the Tories held all the committee chairmanships and the Mayor was also a Tory, all with casting votes. Providing Coun Crocker attended every meeting they could still control the council.
Born in India, the son of an Army officer, Ron Crocker proved his courage and independence of mind long before he became a councillor. He served in the RAF during World War 2 and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross after flying 55 missions over Germany with Bomber Command. He held the rank of Flight Lieutenant.
In 1978 he was commended by the Post Office and presented with a £100 cheque after tackling an intruder at his post office.
Mr Crocker died, aged 87, at a hospice in the Isle of Man after a lengthy illness. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Audrey, a son, two daughters and eight grandchildren.