Kevin Anderson, proudly represents Leigh South ward and is extremely honoured to be the
first citizen of Wigan Borough for 2023/24.
Born in Leigh, the only child of parents Michael and Jean, Kevin has lived in the borough all of his life. He attended St Joseph’s and Sacred Heart primary schools and at the age of 11 moved to St Mary’s Catholic High School.
Having passed nine O-Level exams in 1983, Kevin progressed to the sixth form at St Mary’s and was successful in passing A-Level exams in four subjects. He was the first person in his family to enter higher education, graduating with a BA (Hons) degree in housing management from Bristol Polytechnic (now the University of the West of England). During his time in Bristol, Kevin was sponsored by the housing department of Wigan Council which provided him with work experience placements and employment outside of term time.
After graduating, Kevin started his housing career with St Helens Council in 1989 and continued it with the stock transfer organisation Helena Partnerships. This is where he met his partner and Mayoress Samantha Lloyd. Kevin and Samantha have worked in the social housing sector for more than 60 years combined and it is a policy area they are both passionate about. Both also actively support a number of community and voluntary groups in their local area.
In their spare time they are keen fans of Leigh Leopards and attend both home and away games. Kevin and Samantha also like to attend horse racing and music events, especially at Haydock Park.
Kevin was first elected to Wigan Council for the Hope Carr ward in 1994. He has been re-elected to this ward and subsequently, after boundary changes, the Leigh South Ward on nine separate occasions. He has served in the council’s cabinet since 2001.
Kevin has been active in his trade union UNISON all of his working life and is currently vice-chair of the St Helens Local Government Branch.