Keighley Councillor appointed as new Lord Mayor of Bradford
A Keighley Councillor has spoken of his “incredible pride” at being chosen to be Lord Mayor of Bradford.
Councillor Chris Herd (Cons, Worth Valley) will take on the ceremonial role until May 2026 after the mayor making ceremony at Bradford Council’s annual meeting on Tuesday.
He will be swapping one set of chains for another – Coun Herd has spent the past 12 months as Keighley Town Mayor.
And his ward Colleague Councillor Rebecca Poulsen joked that he wore those mayoral chains so much she was sure “he slept with them under his pillow.”
Coun herd will take over the role from outgoing Mayor Mohammed Shafiq (Lab Bradford Moor).
Councillor Falak Ahmed (Cons, Bingley West) was appointed Deputy Mayor at Tuesday’s meeting.
Coun Herd grew up as a butcher, and Coun Poulsen, who nominated him for Mayor, told the meeting that his sausage rolls and pies had received universal acclaim.
He has also been a farmer for much of his life.
Coun Poulsen said he “can’t say no” adding: “I’m sure you will do us all proud.”
Councillor Imran Khan, leader of the Labour Group in Bradford, said being Lord Mayor was an “exhausting, fulfilling role” adding: “It is a role you will treasure for the rest of your life.
“it is great to have a champion for Keighley in the role again. I know that you’re Keighley through and through.”
Green Councillor Anna Watson (Shipley) said pointed out that the pair had worked well together over the years, despite the fact that Coun Herd was a butcher and she is a vegan. She added: “You’re a really principled man who always listens to his residents, treats people with respect and works hard to find common ground.
“You understand and celebrate the diversity that makes our community so special. I have no doubt you’ll be an excellent ambassador for the Bradford District.”
Coun Herd said: “I’m incredibly proud to take on this role and responsibility. I look forward to serving the people of Bradford District.”
He said his farming background taught him the value of hard work, adding: “These are values I’ll carry with me through my year as Lord Mayor.”
The three charities he will support in his year as Mayor include a group that supports young people with autism, Downs Syndrome Training Support Service and the Bradford Sea Cadets.