Published Friday 5 June 2020 at 11:35
Councillor Iftakhar Hussain will serve as the Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen for the Civic Year 2020/21.
He was first elected to serve for Blackburn with Darwen in 2004 and has been representing the Bastwell and Daisyfield ward for over 15 years.
Councillor Hussain will be supported by his three Mayoresses; wife Sabiran Hussain and daughters Samiya Hussain and Khalsoom Hussain.
He said:
I am so proud to serve as Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen with my wife and daughters alongside me. I am so grateful and want to thank all the constituents who made this possible.
Councillor Jim Shorrock did a fantastic job over the last term and I wish him all the best for the future.
We have a tough year ahead. The coronavirus pandemic has affected us all in some way. I hope to represent the borough to the best of my ability during such difficult times.
Councillor Hussain moved to Blackburn at the age of nine and studied at Pleckgate High school, followed by Blackburn College.
He has been married to his wife Sabiran for over thirty years. They have three sons, two daughters and are proud grandparents to three grandchildren.
Iftakhar has served on a number of committees and has worked with many organisations, community groups, and charities. He especially enjoyed his time as Vice Chair of the Mela Committee during the Millennium Celebrations.
His success in the catering industry and his time working at the Citizens Advice Bureau has allowed him to get to know many residents across the borough over the years.
Cllr Hussain will represent Blackburn with Darwen throughout the year and will also use his time to raise vital funds for his two chosen charities: East Lancashire Hospice and The ARC Project Blackburn.
His Deputy Mayor for the year will be Councillor Derek Hardman who will be supported by Deputy Mayoress Mrs Colette Hardman. Cllr Hardman was first elected in 2001 and represents the Livesey with Pleasington ward.
Watch the Mayor’s speech here: