Health campaigner Brain Taylor to become new Mayor for Blackburn with Darwen

Councillor Brian Taylor will take on the ceremonial role as The Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen borough council, replacing Councillor Parwaiz Akhtar.

Cllr Taylor,  who represents the Darwen West ward says he is a ‘very ordinary bloke who inexplicably finds himself as mayor in an extraordinary borough.’

Born and bred in Darwen, he is the youngest of six children. He is married to his wife Kathleen and between them they have four children and five grandchildren.

Now retired, he worked at various levels in the wallpaper industry for 33 years before finishing working life at 72 years old in TV licensing.

During his years as a councillor, public health has always been a big priority on his agenda.

His chosen Charities for the year are two that mean a lot to him personally – ‘Cardiac risk in the Young’ (CRY), in memory of his nephew who died of a cardiac arrest at 30 years old; and ‘Papyrus’, a suicide prevention charity. Brian has lost two close relatives to suicide and suicide prevention has been a huge driver for him while working in public health.

His aim for the coming year is to represent all people in Blackburn with Darwen, irrespective of age or ethnicity.

He celebrates investments in the borough such as the Darwen Town Deal and the Blakey Moor development; and he also welcomes the building of industrial units close to the M65 which he hopes will bring good employment opportunities to the borough.

He notes that he is a ‘lucky mayor to have such a positive year to look forward to’ and has appointed his three daughters as mayoresses, who will share the duties between them.

Councillor Phil Riley, Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: ‘’One door closes and another opens and Brian’s high standards make him an excellent choice, especially given all the great times ahead in Darwen.’’

Sylvia Liddle, outgoing deputy Mayor said: ‘’I wish my friend and colleague, councillor Brian Taylor every success throughout his mayoral year and I’ve already confirmed to him I will be present to see his inauguration on the 16 May (a very proud moment for him and his family). I’ve every confidence he will enjoy his new role and make a fine Mayor – he has my full support and I wish him well.’’

Cllr Taylor’s position will be ratified and officially be made Mayor at Annual Council at Blackburn Town Hall on 16 May.