Reform UK has been given an important role at Pendle Council after the dramatic local elections, as key positions are decided.
This includes the borough’s new Independent and Liberal Democrat leadership, and its rebuilding after council leader David Whipp was ousted at May's local elections.
Amid the heightened political atmosphere, councillors have called for unity around a shared commitment to serve all Pendle communities.
Councillor Marion Atkinson, an opposition Reform councillor, will now run an influential Pendle accounts and audit committee.
She represents Colne’s Vivary Bridge ward and was elected in 2025. A retired employment law consultant, she is also a county councillor.
Deputy leader of the council, Lib Dem Cllr Lola Whipp, had been suggested for the role by colleague Cllr Dorothy Lord, but independent Cllr Mohammed Iqbal disagreed.
He said: “This is an important committee and Lola Whipp will be busy as deputy council leader.
"The accounts chairperson’s role should go to an opposition councillor and I nominate Marion Atkinson.
"It would be wise not to have an executive councillor in that role.”
The independents are the biggest group on the council and again formed a coalition with the Lib Dems, with former deputy leader Cllr Asjad Mahmood taking the top job after voters dumped David Whipp in May.
Cllr Mahmood said: “I want to thank David Whipp for his service to this council and local government.
"He served on this council for 46 years, and we will miss his knowledge.
“He was instrumental in setting-up Pendle Council’s area committees and active in flood defences, Barnoldswick Town Council and other activity.
"He was someone to go to with any issue. On behalf of the council, a big thank you to David Whipp.”
Mr Whipp's daughter Lola will be Cllr Mahmood's deputy, with other roles in the executive yet to be confirmed.
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