Neil Darby is the marketing manager for an independent holiday park. He has been a Preston City Councillor since being first elected in 2014 and has been the Liberal Democrat group deputy leader in Preston since 2019. 

For the civic year 2022/23, Neil became the youngest person in over 170 years to become the Mayor of Preston. While this is not an executive role in Preston, Neil used the position to reach out to people across the city focussing particularly on young people and communities most in need of recognition. 

Growing up in Nottingham, Neil moved to Preston around the time he graduated from university and has never looked back. He has made Preston his home, living in Tanterton - a part of the Ingol and Cottam ward he represents on the City Council, whilst also chairing Ingol & Tanterton Neighbourhood Council. Neil takes a great deal of pride in representing his adopted city of Preston not only politically, but also in playing for Preston Typhoons rugby club.

Neil became involved in politics at a young age and joined the Liberal Democrats, inspired by their principled stand against the Iraq war and their committment to fairness and improving the lives of every person in the country. Since becoming elected, he has become well known for being an active councillor - talking to people in the community throughout the year and fighting to improve the neighbourhoods he represents.

In addition to his other work, Neil raises money for local charities such as the Intact Centre, and is a trustee of two other local charities close to his heart: Lancashire LGBT and Disability Equality NW.