Rossendale Borough Council has announced the appointment of Cllr Liz McInnes as the new Mayor of Rossendale for 2026/27, following her nomination at the Council’s Annual Meeting on 22nd May 2026.
Speaking on her appointment, Councillor Liz McInnes said: “I am honoured to be appointed Mayor of Rossendale for 2026/26, and I am very much looking forward to the year ahead.”
“It will be a wonderful opportunity to meet the many people, groups and organisations who work tirelessly to make Rossendale a great place to live and work. I am proud to represent our Borough and I’m excited to support and celebrate the fantastic work taking place across our communities.”
Councillor McInnes succeeds Councillor Michelle Smith, who has completed an outstanding term as Mayor. During her time in office, Councillor Smith undertook over 200 engagements, raised over £7,000 for local charities, and represented Rossendale at key events, including Remembrance Services and the Lancashire Day Civic Reception.
Reflecting on her year in office, Councillor Michelle Smith said: "Serving as Mayor has been an incredible privilege. I have met so many inspiring people from across Rossendale and Lancashire, and it has been wonderful to promote our Borough and everything it has to offer.”
“I want to thank residents, community groups, Council Officers, and my Mayoress Jackie Oakes for their support throughout the year. I wish Councillor McInnes every success as she begins her mayoral year.”
Also appointed during the meeting was, Councillor Samara Barnes, who will serve as the Deputy Mayor for 2026/27 for civic engagements only, and support Councillor McInnes throughout the year. The Mayor also thanked her partner, Steve Duxbury, for agreeing to be her consort throughout her Mayoral term.
Councillor McInnes' chosen charities for her Mayoral year are Rossendale Hospice, M3 Project and Rossendale & Pendle Mountain Rescue.
Past Mayor Mr Granville Morris was also given the honour of becoming an Honorary Alderman of Rossendale. Granville served as an RBC councillor for Greenfield Ward for 18 years, and during this time he was Mayor of Rossendale, Chair of Audit & Accounts committee, and served on a number of other council committees.