Kirklees Together

During his time in office, The Mayor of Kirklees has met hundreds of people and celebrated many unsung heroes of our Borough.

Councillor Cahal Burke was appointed Mayor in May 2023, and he has enjoyed a busy schedule of civic engagements and key events representing the borough, meeting communities and fundraising for the Mayor’s Charity.

He has paid tribute to those who have supported him and given his heartfelt thanks to everyone he has met to see the tremendous work that is being done in our area.

Cllr Burke said:

“It has been a great privilege and humbling experience for me to be Mayor especially as Kirklees Council celebrated its 50th anniversary.

“I want to take this opportunity to give my personal thanks to the organisations, groups, volunteers, schools and businesses for allowing me the opportunity to see the incredible work you do.

“Last May when I became Mayor, I promised to shine a light on the great work you all do because we have so much to be proud of.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed visiting schools and welcoming pupils to the Meet the Mayor sessions at our town halls to talk about my role, democracy and citizenship.

“All the school children asked insightful questions and it was great to show them around our town hall buildings.

“It was one of my goals to engage with young people about democratic processes and the Welcome to Your Vote week was a great opportunity for this.

“I want to thank the Children and Young People engagement officers, who do a fantastic job with the Democracy Friendly Schools programme, for involving me as it was a great success.

“There have been many highlights during my term including the Recognition of Volunteers ceremony, welcoming royal visitors to our borough and the amazing events that bring our communities together.

“I want to give all the organisations and people who I have met my heartfelt thanks for their hospitality.

“Many of the organisations are run by hardworking volunteers and without these fantastic people we would not have the community events that bring us all together.

“As they say many hands make light work and these groups are always on the lookout for support so I encourage everyone to lend a helping hand so these attractions can continue.

“For many of my Civic duties, I’ve had the honour of being accompanied by my cadets – 

Sjt Isaac Hartley, Flt Sgt Elliot Hawkesforth, and Able Cadet Brooke McGregor.

“They have conducted themselves with the utmost professionalism, have always engaged with people and have been a shining example to their respective units. I want to thank them and wish them all the best with their future endeavours.

“I would also like to thank my chaplains – Rev Canon Rachel Firth from Huddersfield Parish Church and the Very Reverend Canon Martin Kelly from St Patrick’s Church for their support and guidance throughout the year.

“As you know I have been supporting the Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Charity and the Royal Air Force Association (Huddersfield branch).

“It has been a privilege working with them and raising awareness of the work they do wherever I have been. I would also like to thank everyone who has donated the Mayor’s Charity appeal (option to insert total).

“It has been an amazing experience and honour to be the first citizen of Kirklees. This has been a once-in-a-lifetime experience and I want to thank everybody who has made it so special. Thank you.

“I want to wish The Mayor Designate, Cllr Nosheen Dad and the Deputy Mayor Designate Cllr Liz Smaje all the best for their upcoming year.

“I hope you get to meet as many wonderful organisations and people as I have and want to encourage everyone to invite the new Mayor so they can experience what we have to offer in our great borough. Thank you.”