A STALWART of East Lancashire politics has been appointed as the new chair of Lancashire County Council.

County Councillor Peter Britcliffe, who has lived in Oswaldtwistle all his life, has served as a councillor since 1984, and also served as the Mayor of Hyndburn between 2017/18.

As the new chair of Lancashire County Council, he looking forward to continuing Lancashire's growth and improvements, as well as building relationships with its residents.

The former primary school and special education teacher of 25 years had always had an interest and been involved in politics, having followed in the footsteps of his father, who was the chair of the local Conservative association.

Cllr Britcliffe has served on Lancashire County Council twice, firstly for four years in 1987, before being re-elected in 2009.

Over his time in office, he has supported the improvements to highways and chaired the scrutiny and health scrutiny committee.

He said: "It's a tremendous honour to be elected by my fellow councillors as Chair of Lancashire County Council.

"I've had the privilege of representing the people of Oswaldtwistle and Hyndburn for many years, and it will be my pleasure to step up and do the same for the whole of Lancashire.

"This is a fantastic county with great prospects, and I am determined to help continue Lancashire's growth, supporting local business and support groups.

"I just want to get out across the county and meet as many people as possible.

"It's all about trying to improve the quality of lives for the people of Lancashire."

The new chair highlighted the importance of communication and working together, praising the efforts of people from all backgrounds, admiring specifically the hard work of volunteers in Lancashire.

Politics runs in the family, as Sara Britcliffe, Peter's daughter, is the MP for Hyndburn and Haslingden.

She said: "I’m incredibly proud my Dad became the chair of Lancashire County Council yesterday and I am sure he will do a fantastic job in representing the people of Lancashire."

In his free time, County Councillor Britcliffe enjoys spending time with his three cats, watching his football club Blackburn Rovers, and going to Spain on holiday in the summer.

Peter Britcliffe takes over from his predecessor, County Councillor Barrie Yates, while Keith Iddon becomes the new vice-chair.