New Mayor for Pendle

He became Pendle’s first citizen during the annual Mayor Making Ceremony on Thursday 21 May at Nelson Town Hall, with his wife Rukhsana Begum joining him as Mayoress. 

They take on the roles for the second time, having previously been the Mayor and Mayoress of Pendle 2011-2012.

In his speech to a full Council Chamber, Councillor Ahmed said: “To be entrusted with this office once is a tremendous honour. To be given the opportunity to serve again, fifteen years later, is something truly special.”

Nelson born and bred until moving to Barrowford a few years ago, Councillor Ahmed was educated locally until moving to Manchester to study law, before completing his Legal Practice Course at Chester College of Law.

In 2001, he began his career as a solicitor at Roberts Smith Solicitors in Nelson, where he is still today serving as a director of the firm.

His journey into politics and public service began when he was first elected as a Pendle councillor in 2004.

Since then, he has served the people of Pendle in several different roles, including previously serving as Leader of Pendle Borough Council and he continues to serve as Chairman of Barrowford & Western Parishes Area Committee.

In his speech he said: “In Pendle, we are blessed to live in a diverse community made up of people from different cultures, backgrounds, and faiths. But diversity should never divide us – it should strengthen us.

“We are stronger together than we could ever be apart – and no matter our differences, this borough belongs to all of us.

“This is one of the most important messages I want to promote during my mayoral year.”

The charities he will be supporting during his year of office are East Lancashire Down Syndrome Support Group, Pendleside Hospice and the NK Foundation, which helps deliver charitable projects across the world.

He finished his speech by saying: “As I begin this new chapter, I do so carrying with me the values instilled in me by my late father, the love and prayers of my mother, the support of my wife and children, and the encouragement of my family, friends, colleagues and community.

“I promise to serve this borough with humility, dedication, compassion, and pride.”

Deputy Mayor and Mayoress are Councillor Brian Newman and his wife Mrs Lynne Newman.