14/09/2026
RIP Dave Parkins, “Mr Huncoat”
Everyone at Hyndburn Labour is deeply saddened that our much-loved and respected colleague, Dave Parkins, has passed away peacefully.
An Accrington lad and a longtime Labour councillor, Dave was a passionate representative for Huncoat dedicating his life to serving his country and his community.
Born on Manor Street, Dave attended St John’s and Woodnook Secondary before joining the Royal Navy, where he served for five years. He later transferred to the Army where Dave served a further 12 years, including three tours of duty in Northern Ireland.
After leaving the forces, Dave returned to civilian life where he settled down with his wife Maralyn Parkins, working for the local council before entering local politics.
He was elected to Hyndburn Council in 1994 with a huge majority joining Maralyn, his wife whom he loved so much as Huncoat councillors. He became a familiar and much-loved figure in Huncoat, where he represented residents for decades.
For many of us, Dave was simply “Mr Huncoat”.
He knew countless people personally, took time to listen to them and was always willing to help. People kept voting for him because they knew he would fight for them and stand up for their community.
During his time as a councillor, Dave also worked in adult care doing what he did best, looking after the most vulnerable people in our community.
He first worked at Calderstones before moving into the community care work. Helping people was simply who Dave was. It was at the heart of everything he did.
Any one knew Dave also knew he was a straight-talking, no-nonsense who carried an enormous presence. You knew when Dave had spoken, but he was respected by councillors across all political parties because people knew he cared deeply about Huncoat and its residents.
Dave was made Mayor in 2001-2002 and more latterly given the Freedom of the Borough in 2026 in recognition of last standing service.
Even while battling ill health, Dave continued to undertake his council work and remained committed to the people he represented.
Council leader Councillor Munsif Dadd said, "I’ve know Dave a very long time and he was, I am sure my colleagues will agree, he was the hardest working councillor. He never stopped and he never stopped caring. He was there to help the people of Huncoat but he also was always there to help his colleagues if they needed help. I'll miss him. He was such an influential presence in the Labour Group.
Graham Jones, former MP, said: “Dave was unbelievable. He knew so many people and they all had good words to say about Dave. I’ve known Dave for over 30 years and he never stopped. He was always helping new councillors offering sage advice. I never forgot the advice he gave me in my first year on the council. He had an enormous presence and equally enormous commitment to the public. There is only one Dave Parkins and he’s set the standard for which all other councillors should aim for.”
Bernard Dawson, a fellow councillor and longtime colleague, said: “Dave was without doubt one of the best councillors we’ve had over the last 30 years. He was a real character and someone everyone knew. He worked incredibly hard for Huncoat and was always there for people. They don’t make councillors like Dave anymore.”
The Mayor, Cllr Noordad Aziz, said: “Dave’s dedication to Hyndburn, and especially Huncoat, was unmatched. He was a big character, someone people respected, and he cared deeply about the area. We’re going to miss him. Dave was a dedicated Labour councillor, a strong voice for Huncoat and, above all, a colleague and friend who was always willing to help others. Our thoughts are with Dave’s family, friends and everyone who knew and worked alongside him at this very sad time.”
RIP Dave Parkins
Funeral arrangements will be published in due course.
Maralyn Parkins was elected in 1991 and 1995 before retiring in 1999 Dave Parkins was elected to Hyndburn Council in 1994 with 68.5% of the vote. Re-elected in 1998 and again 2002 with an increased majority. After a year’s retirement, Dave decided retirement for politics wasn’t for him and came back winning overwhelming support from village in 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019 and 2023 winning 79.6% of the vote in his last Huncoat election.
