Agenda and draft minutes

Mr David Welsby, Chief Executive, welcomed Honorary Freemen, Honorary Aldermen, Past Mayors and Mayoresses, Councillors, Sarah Smith MP and honoured guests, as well as their friends and family to the 2026/27 Mayor Making Ceremony, to install the new Mayor of the Borough, to thank the retiring Mayor and his Mayoresses and to formally introduce the newly appointed Aldermen and Freemen.  The formal recognition of the new Aldermen and Freemen in the Council Chamber would be relatively brief to allow for a formal presentation of the award in the Ballroom later this afternoon in front of a larger group of family and friends.

To announce the election of the Mayor of the Borough for the Municipal Year 2026/27.

Mr Welsby announced that, at the Annual Meeting of the Council held on 28^th May 2026, Councillor Noordad Aziz had been elected Mayor of the Borough for the Municipal Year 2026/27.

The Mayor read aloud the Declaration of Acceptance of Office of Mayor, as signed at the Annual Council meeting, and was presented with the Mayoral Fob by Mr Josh Allen, the retiring Mayor from 2025/26.  Councillor Munsif Dad BEM JP, Leader of the Council, announced his congratulations to the new Mayor and gave a speech welcoming the Mayor’s family, particularly his mother and father who were both present.  Councillor Dad remarked that he had grown up alongside the Mayor’s father.  He noted that Councillor Aziz had a large presence and had served the community in Great Harwood passionately for some 14 years.  He would make an excellent Mayor and would proudly follow in the footsteps of the outgoing Mayor, Josh Allen.

Councillor Zak Khan also spoke on behalf of the Conservative group to congratulate the Mayor on his appointment and noted the strength of his conviction when speaking in the Council Chamber.  The role of Chair of the Council needed both patience and, occasionally, disciplinarian’s approach, and Councillor Aziz was sure to rise to the challenge.  He would also make a solid connection to the public during his future engagements.  The role of Mayor was a symbol of unity, a goal that all councillors should share.  The support of Councillor Aziz’s family would also be important during his mayoral year and their role was acknowledged and appreciated.

Councillor Anthony Mitchell expressed his sincere congratulations on the Mayor’s appointment and acknowledged the importance of the role.  The civic office belonged to the whole Borough and he looked forward to working with the new Mayor.  He noted that councillors might have different political ideologies, but that it should be possible to find some common ground.  The Council was fortunate to have a strong Chair at its helm.

The new Mayor, Councillor Aziz, thanked the speakers for their and kind words and thanked all councillors, freemen, aldermen, and accompanying friends and family for their attendance.  He started with an Islamic prayer from the Prophet Moses which translated as:

My Lord, expand for me my breast with assurance  And ease for me my task  And untie the knot from my tongue  That they may understand my speech.

(Surah Ta-Ha Ayat 25-28 of the Quran)

The Mayor congratulated the newly appointed aldermen and freemen on their awards.

He then gave a speech which included details of his journey from a pupil at Great Harwood Primary School and Norden High School, to the first citizen of Hyndburn, which was beyond his expectations.  His first job and continual hard work had taught him responsibility and the value of community.

He was disappointed to note that some people on social media had expressed disapproval at his appointment.  However, he was firmly of the view that there were more things that united society rather than divided it  ...  view the full minutes text for item 24.

To announce the election of the Deputy Mayor of the Borough for the Municipal Year 2026/27.

The Chief Executive announced that at the Annual Meeting of the Council held on 20^th June 2026, Councillor Stewart Eaves had been elected Deputy Mayor of the Borough for the Municipal Year 2026/27.  Councillor Eaves read aloud the Declaration of Acceptance of Office of Deputy Mayor,as signed at the Annual Council meeting.

To propose a vote of thanks to the retiring Mayor and Mayoresses.

The Mayor then proposed a formal vote of thanks to the retiring Mayor, Mr Josh Allen and his Mayoresses, Robyn Bradshaw-Allen and Sheena Tyldesley.  He remarked that it had been a busy year for the civic team and he hoped that they had all enjoyed the honour and experience of representing the Borough.

The Leader of the Council commented on their hard work and noted that they would be a difficult act to follow.  He also reflected that Josh had been a credit to his late mother and grandfather, who had also served as councillors.  He thanked the retiring Mayor for his service and wished him luck for the future.

Councillor Khan also spoke about the retiring Mayor and highlighted his dedication, integrity and passion for people.  He noted that the Mayor had represented the Council at many engagements and had almost never had to turn down an invitation, supporting numerous charities and institutions, particularly those regarding youth issues.  He had demonstrated the best of public service, continuing a family tradition.  His friends, Jim and the late Marlene Haworth, would also be proud of him.  He envisaged that there might be more public service from Mr Allen to come in the future.  He thanked him for his service and his friendship.

Councillor Mitchell added his thanks.  Although had not had the opportunity to engage with the retiring Mayor personally, he commented that his work for charities had been inspiring.

Mr Allen thanked all for their kind words and the opportunity to have been Mayor.  He quipped that Councillor Aziz wore the chains of office well!  He reflected that the role was a big commitment on personal time, but that the investment was worthwhile and should be enjoyed.  There was a great opportunity to do good and to raise lots of money for charity.  In a final word of advice, he reassured the Mayor that he should pay no attention to those who posted disparaging comments on-line.

The Mayor then presented a Past Mayor’s badge and framed resolution to the retiring Mayor and some flowers to the retiring Mayoress.

In pursuance of Section 249(5) of the Local Government Act 1972, to confer the title of Honorary Freeman on Judith Addison, Pam Barton (deceased), Anne Ellwood, Saeeda Farooq, Barbara Fielding, Marlene Haworth (deceased), Gwen Mayor (deceased), Dave Parkins, Tracy Simmonds and Mohammed Yaseen, all being persons of distinction, or persons who have, in the opinion of the authority, rendered eminent services to the area.

In pursuance of Section 249(1) of the Local Government Act 1972, to confer the title of Honorary Alderman on Josh Allen, Bernard Dawson MBE, June Harrison, Susan Haworth, Joyce Plummer and Dorothy Westell, all having lengthy and distinguished former service with the Council and/or holding a particular qualifying office, thereby having rendered eminent services to the Council as past members of the Council.

Members were reminded that at two recent Special Meetings of the Council, the title of Honorary Freeman of the Borough had been conferred on Judith Addison, Pam Barton (deceased), Anne Ellwood, Saeeda Farooq, Barbara Fielding, Marlene Haworth (deceased), Gwen Mayor (deceased), Dave Parkins, Tracy Simmonds and Mohammed Yaseen.  Furthermore, the title of Honorary Alderman had been conferred on Josh Allen,Bernard Dawson MBE, June Harrison, Susan Haworth, Joyce Plummer and Dorothy Westell.

The Mayor announced that those present, or their representatives, would be signing the roll of honour in the Chamber this morning.  All were incredibly deserving of the awards.

A few words about each recipient would be read out later in the day after the civic meal, in the Ballroom, and recipients could give a brief response in front of their closest family and friends.

The Mayor then welcomed forward each of the recipients in turn and invited each to sign the roll of honour and to pose for a commemorative photograph.  The roll of honour for Pam Barton, Marlene Haworth, Gwen Mayor and Councillor Dave Parkins was signed by Councillor Clare Pritchard, Jim Haworth, Rodney Mayor and Kimberley Whitehead respectively.  Diana Riley, daughter of Pam Barton, would be available to attend the civic luncheon in the afternoon.

The framed certificates and official medals would be presented by the Mayor to all new Aldermen and Freemen later, in the Ballroom.

The meeting then concluded.

All guests were invited to join the Mayor at 12.30pm in the Ballroom for the Civic Celebration meal.  The new Freemen and Aldermen and their guests were asked to remain at the foot of the main staircase for photographs with the Mayor.  The Mayor’s family and friends would then follow for photographs by the staircase.