The new Mayor of Bolton has pledged to promote his hometown and its many outstanding charities during his year in office.
Cllr David Chadwick has become Mayor of Bolton for 2025/26.
A Bolton lad through-and-through, David was born in Morris Green where his parents ran a confectionery shop, later moving to Great Lever.
He attended St Bede’s C of E School and Bolton County Grammar School, going on to a variety of jobs in the textile industry where he became a Health and Safety Officer.
In 1980 he joined Bolton Heath Authority as Health and Safety Officer, later becoming Computer Services Manager.
He worked at the Royal Bolton Hospital until retirement 29 years later.
His wife Valerie will be one of his Mayoresses, the two married in 1983 and moved to Westhoughton.
They have a son, Matthew, and a daughter, Victoria, who will also be David’s Mayoress.
The couple have four grandchildren, Henry, Olive, Spencer and Ari.
David began his political career in 1994 when he became a member of Westhoughton Town Council.
In 1998 he was elected to Bolton Council to represent Westhoughton. From 2007 to 2019 and from 2023 to the present day he has represented Westhoughton South.
David has held many roles at the council namely Executive Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, Chair of Licensing, Chief Whip and a member of several scrutiny committees.
He is a governor of Westhoughton High School, St Thomas’s Chequerbent C of E Primary School, and Eatock Primary School.
He is a trustee of Senior Solutions in Westhoughton. He assists at The Hub in Westhoughton and at Westhoughton Assist Service, in addition to being a trustee of both.
David has been an avid supporter of Bolton Wanderers since he was a child and has been a season ticket holder for most of his life.
His chosen charities include the Critical Care Unit of Bolton Hospital, the unit where he spent more than two months in the winter of 2024/25.
His other charities are Westhoughton Assist Service, who do sterling work with their foodbank, and Bolton Wanderers in the Community, who use the power of Bolton Wanderers Football Club to inspire, support and deliver positive change to all ages in the community.
As a proud Boltonian, David has always aspired to becoming Mayor of Bolton and is honoured and privileged to achieve this ambition.
Cllr Chadwick said:
“I am incredibly proud to serve as Mayor of Bolton, and to represent my hometown as First Citizen.
“The people are what makes Bolton so special, and I am looking forward to meeting the many outstanding individuals, charities and community groups who contribute so much to life in our borough.”
The new Mayor’s first official engagement will take place this Sunday, 18 May, with the traditional Civic Sunday parade and church service to welcome the new Mayor to office.
The Lancashire Artillery Band will lead the parade setting off at 10.30am from Victoria Square, down Hotel Street, onto Deansgate and down onto Churchgate before going into church for the 11am service.
Bolton 216 Royal Artillery, Cadets, youth organisations, schools and dignitaries will be joining the parade.
Everyone is welcome to come along and show their support.