A LOCAL authority has chosen its new Town Hall boss from within its own ranks.

Burnley Council has selected its chief operating officer Lukman Patel as its new chief executive.

He will replace Mick Cartledge who retires in July after five years in the post.

A special meeting will be held at Burnley Town Hall on April 5 where councillors will be asked to ratify the unanimous recommendation of the appointments committee.

Mr Patel has worked with the local authority since 2015.

He said: “I am humbled and honoured to have been unanimously recommended for approval as chief executive of this brilliant council.

“Our borough has a rich history, brilliant people and enterprising businesses. The ambition I witness daily makes me proud to be part of this wonderful place.

“I am excited to be part of helping to shape its future and shall strive to deliver a fairer and prosperous borough for all.

"I shall work tirelessly to make Burnley and Padiham places that other towns aspire to be and that our residents are proud of.”

Mr Cartledge said: “I am confident that Lukman will be an excellent chief executive and continue to drive the borough forward.”

Cllr Afrasiab Anwar, leader of the council, said: "Following the post being nationally advertised, we have undertaken an extensive recruitment process including technical interviews, an assessment centre and panel interviews.

!Lukman was the stand-out candidate.

“He already has detailed knowledge of the council and the borough, as well as many of our partner organisations, and he will work with myself and other councillors to build on our borough’s achievements and to deliver further success.”

Mr Patel was previously head of legal (environment) at Trafford Council and an associate at national law firm Hempsons.