New Chairman of Lancashire County Council

22 May 2015

The new Chairman of Lancashire County Council has taken up her year-in-office, making it one of the first councils in the country to be headed up by three women.

County Councillor Margaret Brindle, who represents the Burnley Rural division, was appointed at yesterday's annual meeting of Full Council (21 May).

As Chairman, Margaret joins the leader and chief executive as women who hold the most senior roles at the county council.

A county councillor since 2009, Margaret has been on Burnley Borough Council since 2011 and represents the Coal Clough with Deerplay ward.

Burnley-resident Margaret has just served as vice chairman to County Councillor Kevin Ellard during his year-in-office.

Born in Enfield, she spent time in care and lived in various parts of the country including Kent, Middlesex and the Wirral, before moving up to Burnley at age 10.

After going to the former Burnley High School, she got a job as a building society investment clerk, eventually becoming a cashier in a central London branch, during the sixties.

Returning to Lancashire, Margaret decided to add to her education and attended Burnley College, before joining the DHSS as a national insurance contributions officer, and then transferring to the state pension section.

As well as working in the civil service, she worked alongside her husband William in his design and print company, creating artwork for the packaging industry.

Margaret explained: "This was before we had computers, when everything was done by hand on the drawing board. We created finished artwork for many well-known high street companies, and also produced letterpress printing plates for some national newspapers. We did lots of enjoyable work."

For the last 14 years of her working life, Margaret was a housing benefit officer for Burnley Borough Council. She gained her Institute of Revenues, Ratings and Valuation Technician qualification while in this post.

On retiring, Margaret chose to give something back to the community: "I want to help people, particularly older people and young people who are coming out of care. I know from experience that they have a lot to face. I hope to increase awareness of this during my year as Chairman."

Margaret lives in Burnley with her husband William. They have three children and six grandchildren.

In her spare time, Margaret enjoys fell walking and photography. She said: "There are many hidden gems in Lancashire, including the area I represent. There's lots of beautiful countryside around and I love to get out and enjoy it.

"Over the past year I've worked alongside Kevin Ellard, who was an excellent chairman. On behalf of Lancashire I'd like to thank him for his work and I'm looking forward to representing the red rose county over the next twelve months."

The county council's new Vice Chairman is Janice Hanson, who represents Morecambe West. Janice has been a member of the county council since 2005.
Notes for Editors: The attached photographs show the new chairman of the county council, Margaret Brindle.
For further information please contact: Stephen Axon on 01772 533 194
[email protected]

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