Rossendale: New mayor takes office

Liz McInnes is the new mayor of Rossendale, our English twin town. The borough council appointed her as the borough's chief representative for the 2026/2027 term of office. Samara Barnes was appointed deputy mayor. Liz McInnes was appointed mayor at the council's annual general meeting on 22 May 2026; she represents the Longholme constituency on the council and succeeds Michelle Smith.

On taking office, McInnes emphasised that it was a great honour for her to represent Rossendale. She said she was looking forward to getting to know the many people, groups and organisations in the area and supporting them in their work. Her partner, Steve Duxbury, will assist her with official engagements. Commenting on her appointment, Councillor Liz McInnes said: "It is an honour to have been appointed Mayor of Rossendale for the year 2026/27, and I am very much looking forward to the coming year."

Focus on three organisations for fundraising

During her term of office, Mayor McInnes will be raising funds for Rossendale Hospice, the M3 Project and Rossendale & Pendle Mountain Rescue. The new Deputy Mayor, Samara Barnes, will support her in particular with official and representative duties. During the council meeting, former Mayor Granville Morris was also appointed an Honorary Councillor in recognition of his long-standing service to Rossendale.

Invitation to the 75th anniversary of the twinning in 2027

Bocholt's Mayor, Christian Mangen, warmly congratulates Liz McInnes and Samara Barnes on their new roles. "I wish them both much joy, success and numerous enriching encounters during their year in office. "Our long-standing connection with Rossendale shows just how important personal contacts and local partnerships are for friendship and understanding in Europe," explains Mangen.

At the same time, he is already extending an invitation to an official delegation from Rossendale to visit Bocholt: the 75th anniversary of the town twinning is to be celebrated there around 1 May 2027. The friendly relations between Bocholt and Rossendale date back to 1952.