It is an incredible honour to be appointed the Mayor of Hyndburn for 2026/2027. I am immensely grateful for the kindness and encouragement I have already received from people across our wonderful borough, and I want to extend a huge thanks to all for this privilege.
Thanks to Outgoing Mayor
Firstly, I would like to thank the outgoing Mayor of Hyndburn, Josh Blayne Allen, for his dedication and service during his year as First Citizen of the Borough. Josh set a fantastic example of what it means to be Mayor, alongside the support of his Mayoresses Robyn Bradshaw-Allen and Sheena Tyldesley, and raised an admirable amount of money for their chosen, very worthy charities. He has certainly left some big shoes to fill this year.
Deputy Mayor Congratulations
I would also like to congratulate the chosen Deputy Mayor for this coming year, Cllr Stewart Eaves. It has been a true pleasure to have spent the past 12 months as Deputy Mayor, and I have no doubt that Stewart will make the very most of the opportunity as well.
A Personal Journey
Born and bred in Great Harwood, educated at Great Harwood Primary School and Norden High School, the privilege of becoming the First Citizen of this borough is something I never imagined would be possible. It speaks volumes about the opportunities Hyndburn can offer ordinary people with determination, hard work, and community spirit. Now, as the first Great Harwood Mayor in over 20 years, following in the footsteps of Dr Mohammed Rahman, Win Frankland, Sonia Bramley-Haworth and Jessie Hall, I truly hope my journey inspires young people across Hyndburn to believe that no matter where you come from, you can achieve great things.
Vision for the Year
As Mayor, I want to lead with kindness, compassion and positivity. I want to remain rooted in our communities and celebrate the very best of Hyndburn and its townships throughout my year in office. I look forward to meeting as much of the community as possible throughout my mayoral year. There are many wonderful community-led organisations that continue to grow in the various townships that make up Hyndburn, and I hope to learn more about all the brilliant work they do on a day-to-day basis.
Chosen Charities
With that in mind, my chosen charities reflect that commitment and are causes very close to my heart. The Mayoress and I will be fundraising for a variety of local causes, including: Derian House Children’s Hospice, Milly Smiles, Laurie Solomon Kidney Dialysis Centre, and East Lancashire Hospice. Each of these amazing causes impact and help Great Harwood and Hyndburn residents every single day.
Support Team
Supporting me during my mayoral year will be my wife Saddia and my mum Hamida as my Mayoresses, assisted by my Mayor’s Consorts of Cllr Judith Addison, Cllr Jodi Clements, Cllr Clare Yates and Kimberley Whitehead. Together, we are looking forward to a busy year.
Thank you once again to the residents of Great Harwood and Hyndburn for your ongoing support. I cannot wait for the journey ahead, beginning with the Mayor Making later this month and the much-anticipated return of the Accrington Food and Drink Festival on Saturday, June 6 as one of the first mayoral engagements.
