Changes to Burnley Council executive team

Coun. Mark Townsend has appointed Coun. Asif Raja to his executive with the new member responsible for local economy and growth.

Asif, who is 39 years old and works as a marketing manager for a FTSE 100 company, is ward councillor for Lanehead.

He said: “I am immensely proud to be able to serve the people of the borough on the executive. I will work hard to help ensure that the upward momentum in the borough’s economy continues.”

The membership of the council executive is otherwise unchanged.

Coun. Sue Graham, who previously held the economy portfolio, is now the executive member for resources and council performance.

Coun. John Harbour remains executive portfolio holder for housing and leisure, and Coun. Lian Pate remains executive portfolio holder for community and environment, which covers street cleaning and community safety.