Independents and Liberal Democrats agree to power share on Pendle Borough Council

Coun. Asjad Mahmood, leader of the Pendle Community Independents Group, has been elected as council leader, while Coun. Lola Whipp, leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, has been appointed deputy leader.

Following the election on May 7th, the make-up of the council is now 13 independents, eight Conservatives, seven Liberal Democrats and five Reform councillors.

Coun. Mahmood said he was honoured to be re-elected and welcomed the continuation of the partnership with the Liberal Democrats.

He said the joint administration would provide the strong and stable leadership needed to deliver the council’s key priorities and build on achievements made in recent years.

The administration has outlined a 10-point programme for the coming year, including the demolition and redevelopment of the Pendle Rise site, regeneration of Trafalgar House, completion of the Accessible Nelson project, delivery of Pride in Place funding initiatives, investment in cemeteries across Pendle, and support for vulnerable residents through the Crisis and Resilience Fund.

Other priorities include exploring the benefits of becoming a Co-operative Council and helping to deliver local government reorganisation in Lancashire, regardless of the option ultimately selected by the Government.

Coun. Mahmood described the next year as potentially significant for the future of local government in Pendle. He said the council would continue working to provide high-quality services, support residents where needed and create opportunities for communities to thrive.

He also highlighted £300,000 of additional funding for disabled facilities grants, aimed at helping residents access home adaptations more quickly, as well as continued investment in apprenticeship programmes to support skills development and employment opportunities.

Coun. Mahmood added: “The coming year could prove to be a defining one for the future of local government in Pendle.

“With the support of all councillors and staff, I want to ensure residents continue to receive the best services we can provide, are supported where needed and have opportunities to prosper.

“Subject to the Government’s decision on local government in Lancashire, we will continue to play whatever part is necessary in delivering Local Government Reorganisation, irrespective of the option chosen by the Government, although I believe that five unitary authorities for Lancashire remains the best option.

“We want to make sure that people who are struggling to manage everyday tasks at home get the support and adaptations they need as quickly as possible. That is why we are providing £300,000 of additional funding for disabled facilities grants.

“We are also investing in the future of local people by providing funding for apprenticeships – giving people the experience and knowledge they need to develop.”

Coun. Whipp said Pendle faced both opportunities and challenges in the year ahead and welcomed the continued cooperation between the two groups.

She said the administration’s shared priorities focus on improving quality of life, investing in local towns and ensuring support reaches those who need it most.

Coun. Whipp pointed to initiatives including Accessible Nelson, the Crisis and Resilience Fund and ongoing regeneration projects as examples of the council’s commitment to delivering positive outcomes for residents across the borough.