Councillor Cosima Towneley has been appointed Mayor of Burnley 2022/23.
Coun. Towneley was born in Cliviger and was educated at St. Joseph’s, Park Hill before going away to school in Dorset and Shropshire.
With a degree in History/History of Art, and a Post Grad in Land Economy, she volunteered and worked in South Africa, South-East Asia, London and Scotland in the arts.
Coun. Towneley was also an assistant factor/land agent in Scotland, Lancashire and North Yorkshire before returning home, where she ran a business producing hand-made seasonal pickles, preserves, cordials and confectionary.
She was elected to represent Cliviger with Worsthorne ward on Burnley Council in 2007, and to Lancashire County Council in 2017. Coun. Towneley formerly served on Burnley Council as executive member for the environment and community and is currently Cabinet Member for Children & Family Services on the county council. She is also a Cliviger parish councillor.
Her appointment was confirmed at a special meeting of Burnley Council.
The Mayor picked local charities Rossendale and Pendle Mountain Rescue, Dyneley Riding for the Disabled and Pendleside Hospice as her chosen charities for the coming year.
Pailin Petchrlum and Melissa Wood will act as Mayoresses, and her nephew Henry Towneley as Consort.
Coun. Towneley said: “It is a great privilege to serve as Mayor of Burnley. It will be a momentous year as so much is happening within our vibrant communities. I will strive to promote and support all our residents in their endeavours and look forward to meeting many of our individuals and groups that make our borough such a splendid place to live, work and play.”