The borough of Rochdale welcomed its new mayor as Councillor Janet Emsley was sworn in to office during a ceremony in Rochdale on Wednesday, 14 May 2025.
The appointment was made following a full meeting of the council.
The event was attended by former mayors, deputy lieutenants as well as other distinguished guests and community leaders as the departing mayor councillor Shakil Ahmed, mayoress Robina Bi and consort Councillor Rachel Massey handed over their chains of office.
The event was held at Rochdale Town Hall and began with a rousing fanfare played by Wardle Academy Intermediate Brass Band.
After receiving her chain, the new mayor said words of thanks to a packed audience of over 300:
“I am honoured and so proud to be with you at our fabulous town hall – built as a symbol of civic pride, which is what Ken and I want to share during the year ahead. I’m very proud to become the eleventh female mayor of my hometown, during our year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture. Thank you to my husband Ken and to all my family for their support, along with my colleagues on the council. We are looking forward to promoting the borough at every opportunity, meeting as many people as we can.”
