Chorley's new Mayor, Councillor Gordon France and Mayoress Councillor Margaret France were formally sworn in at Chorley Council's annual meeting last night (Tuesday 14 May.)
Councillor France first became a councillor for Pennine ward in 2014. In 2021 when Pennine ward merged with Wheelton and Withnell he was then was elected to serve the new ward of Chorley North East.
Commenting on his appointment as Mayor, Councillor France said, "I have strong local community connections having lived in Chorley all my life and am fully committed to the borough and our residents.
"I was born in my ward in Brinscall. We have a long family history in Chorley, going back five generations with homes which have been in our family since 1873, after being built by my great grandfather.
"For most of my working life I was a floor covering estimator. I have a son and daughter and have been married to Margaret for 45 years and together we enjoy walking with our two dogs.
"The charities I will be supporting are Citizen Advice, Chorley Women's Centre, and Chorley in Bloom. I am looking forward to helping the town of Chorley and its rural villages in any way I can."
The new Deputy Mayor and Mayoress will be Cllr Alistair Morwood and Mrs Jane Morwood.
Councillor Gordon France and Councillor Margaret France take over from outgoing Mayor Tommy Gray and Mayoress Miss Michelle Gray as they now retire from their positions.
Councillor Alistair Bradley, Leader of Chorley Council said, "Councillor France has a genuine interest in the people of Chorley, he is down to earth and really popular, all perfect ingredients for a Mayor and I wish him the best of luck for the year ahead."
If you would like to invite the Mayor to an event that you are organising, please email mayors.secretary@chorley.gov.uk or call 01257 515113.