A MEMBER of the British National Party is set to become Padiham’s mayor and probably his party’s first civic leader in England.

Community leaders have hit out at the appointment of John Cave as deputy mayor of Padiham Town Council for the next 12 months.

The role means Coun Cave, who is married to BNP county councillor Sharon Wilkinson, will take over the mayoral chains from Coun Bob Clark in a year.

Coun Cave said he believed the town council was non-political and that he was entitled, and proud, to serve the town of his birth.

But politicians and campaigners questioned the appointment, and the Bishop of Burnley said a BNP member could not serve the whole community without ‘rejecting his party’s philosophy.’

Coun Shah Hussain, who represents Daneshouse and Stoneyholme on Burnley Council, said: “I have concerns with what the BNP stands for and its policies. It is a party that is divisive to the community.”

Bishop of Burnley John Goddard said: “I always see the role of the mayor and deputy mayor as the chief citizen of the community, and they have a responsibility to uphold and defend the rights of all British citizens of the town, regardless of race, colour or status.

“Given that, I look forward to the deputy mayor showing that the BNP are wrong in their racist policies.

“It will be interesting to see if he acts in the best traditions of a mayor in the community, and I pray he does, as he will have to reject the philosophy of the BNP.

“If he retains the BNP political philosophy then how can he expect to serve and represent the whole of the community?”

The appointment of Coun Cave was confirmed at a recent town council meeting, when the majority of councillors voted in favour of him taking over the role of deputy mayor.

A spokesman for the Hope not Hate campaign, which celebrates ‘modern Britain’ and claims to expose the BNP, said: “We are disappointed that anybody holding the views of the BNP can secure a position of this kind.

“The role of mayor in any community is to act as the figurehead of the community and we don’t see how that role can be carried out by anybody who represents a party whose sole aim is to divide communities.”

Coun Cave had previously said some town councillors were trying to find a way around him being appointed to the role.

He said: “I am pleased that it is has all been sorted out and has cleared up a few misunderstandings.

“It is a very proud moment for me. I was born in Padiham and have always been closely associated with Padiham.

“It is a non-political council and my politics have not encroached on what happens in Padiham.

"It has been easier than I expected to remain non-political in the past 12 months.”

Mr Cave said that his main task would be to chair the regular meetings of the 15 councillors.

He said: "This is not meant to be a political forum of any sort.

"It is a town council, akin to a parish council. This is not party politics, this is all about Padiham.

"Politics does not come into it. It's completely irrelevant. This has been blown out of all proportion.

"The Mayor of Padiham is effectively the chairperson of meetings.

"I have been told there are not a lot of functions to carry out.

"The town council is very informal, very relaxed.

"There are no expenses, no wages, everyone does it voluntarily.

"I am astounded that people have got so excited about all of this."

Mr Cave has served on the council for 12 months but another councillor opted not to stand as deputy mayor and he became next in line in seniority.

It is understood he was supported by nine out of 11 councillors who were present at the vote, with two abstaining.

Commenting on Mr Cave's appointment as deputy mayor, a BNP spokesman said: "It is splendid news. The first of many we hope."

He added that he understood Mr Cave was the first BNP councillor to be in line to stand as a mayor.

Peter Pike, former Labour MP in Burnley, said: “I think it is unfortunate that we have councillors who represent the BNP and now I think it is unfortunate that we have a deputy mayor in Padiham who represents the BNP.

“But if they are elected on to a council then there is always a chance they could hold a mayoral title.”

Tory MEP for the North West, Sajjad Karim, said town councillors had made "a bad decision for Padiham".

Mr Karim, who lives in Simonstone, said: "The possibility of a BNP mayor in Padiham is very sad but to my mind does not in any way reflect the views of the majority of the people of Padiham.

"The folk of Padiham that I come across are tolerant and would genuinely reject everything the BNP stand for.

"The town councillors have made a bad decision for Padiham.

"Councillor Cave is claiming he has been appointed to a non-political role, in which case I feel he should resign his BNP membership and make a statement saying he rejects his far-right political allegiances of the past and disagrees with what they stand for."

It is not the first time this year that the role of mayor in Padiham has attracted controversy.

In January mayoress Carol Stinton appeared on Channel 4 reality show Come Dine With Me and attracted criticism for her over-exuberance.

Padiham residents have their say

Terry Smith, 32, of Hapton, said: “The BNP shouldn’t have any power really, and certainly not be mayor of the town. It doesn’t look good for the town.”

Harold Wilkinson, 71, of Cowley Crescent, Padiham, said: “If he’s been elected by the people then I do not see or have a problem with it.”

Carol McGregor, 64, of Alma Street, Padiham, said: “Unfortunately it is just a part of life these days, and there is nothing much that can be done about it.”

Dennis Spedding, 68, of Padiham Green, said: “I would rather see someone else be the mayor than a member of the BNP, it doesn’t reflect well.”

Ian Alderson, 51, of Padiham, said: “If he has been elected then he has a right to serve the people I guess, it is only a ceremonial role after all.”

Ann Cooper, 61, of Padiham Green, said: “They have been voted for so have a right to be on the council, they are a legitimate party.”