LIFE as a council leader is all about attending meetings, enjoying lavish social functions and posing for pictures when things go well -- or going into hiding when they don't. Right?

Er, wrong, if a week in the life of the newly-appointed leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, Coun Bill Taylor, is anything to go by.

He fits his considerable council duties around a full-time job and his family commitments.

He let Local Government reporter David Higgerson in on his weekly routine...

BILL Taylor became leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council just over a month ago, following the resignation of Coun Malcom Doherty.

Coun Taylor was already familar with some of the pressures the role would bring -- he was deputy leader and had special responsibility for that political hot potato education and lifelong learning.

The 49-year-old has served on the council for 21 years, and has had roles on virtually every committee.

He has also been mayor of the borough -- becoming the first citizen in 1989.

On top of that, he is MP Jack Straw's agent -- has been since 1979 -- and works for Lancashirre County Council youth and community department.

All in all, it makes for a hectic week.

Born in Leeds, brought up in Birmingham and an adopted Lancastrian since 1970, Coun Taylor is married with a 19-year-old son and 15-year-old daughter.

Coun Taylor said: "There are never two weeks the same.

"It is hectic at the moment. Presumably it and me will calm down soon into a less frenetic tempo."

SUNDAY:

Mean to lie-in but wake up & then get up around seven with ideas buzzing around... spend a few hours on the computer designing a consultative document and distributing it via my perfidious friend - e-mail... (must spend an hour or more every day dealing with them, up to 100 every day...

meetings to attend, policy documents to read, press releases to agree, queries from council members, diary dates to arrange... a whole range of different issues...)

Spend some time clearing out old papers and files ... weren't we once promised a 'paperless office?' Spend a frustrating time with yesterdays' Times Crossword Two.

Get a game of golf ... well, trudge round the course getting both drenched and disheartened. Couple of beers.

Family night in... Year 10 daughter tells us, a bit, about her work experience placement at the Rovers.

MONDAY:

Up early, in work just after 7am. ... Deal with some personnel matters, brief colleague holiday returner on recent developments, conduct some interviews, attend a meeting on health matters. Quite a lot of travelling today...these journeys are handy as they give me a chance to contact people via my hands-free mobile 'phone.

Phone conversation with MP Jack Straw to discuss and agree programme over next few months.

Back to Town Hall around tea-time. Meetings at 4.45 p.m.(staff member), 5pm(policy matter), 6pm(strategy) and 7.30 p.m. (Labour Party)

Home around 9.30 - 10.00 p.m. Not got the time to accompany wife and home from University son to the local's pub quiz...anyway last time we went we only managed 25 out of 48. Shocking!

Watch Eastenders on vid...clear e-mails around 10:45pm. Monday's not a good day because town hall staff respond to my weekend's work whilst they've been off......

TUESDAY

Visit dentist first thing. Check-up OK. Why do they always ask big questions just as they render you unable to reply?

Drop off some vital information at Town Hall. Brief officer on key elements relevant to her.

Work: Crime & Disorder meeting & induct new Admin Officer.

Back to Town Hall around 4.30 p.m to see support staff and attend meeting on how council will change with the executive director, director of policy and acting director of legal.

Talk with Labour members about wide number of issues.

Pint on way home 9.30 p.m. Clear e's...watch Eastenders. Bed around 11:30.

WEDNESDAY

Up and out to Town Hall by 7.20 a.m. Drop car off for service too. Meeting with Executive Directors 8.30 a.m. They report in, across the council and beyond, on things I need to know/make a decision upon.

Car not ready as expected. Clear e-mails.

Into work once car ready. Various tasks and meetings to attend. Finish work just after 7.30 p.m.

Return to Blackburn - visit a few people to sort out matters to do with recent elections.

Have a conversation with Labour Party Secretary about our political priorities over the forthcoming year and as his agent for 22 years, the arrangements to celebrate Jack Straw's sixth election success.

Home, order a curry, quick half-hour in the Royal Oak with my wife.Curry arrives at home.

Clear e's...watch Corrie...bed around 11:30...Eagles and Bob Marley emanating from other bedrooms compete to serenade me to sleep. The youth of Today!

THURSDAY

Up and out by 7.15 a.m. Work till mid-day.

Attend Ewood Park. 5,000+ youngsters from our schools singing, dancing and performing with many mums and dads and grandparents attending - brilliant.

With learners and teachers with that vision, energy, talent, & commitment all of our futures are hopeful.

Return to work.

Another quick change day...back into my new suit...not my natural habitat!

Return to council matters. East Lancashire Business Partnership at Blackburn College.

6p.m. return to Town Hall for Executive Committee. Lengthy looking agenda but we finish pretty soon.

Clear e-mails. Leave Town Hall around 8.45 p.m.

Family time. Daughter "does a Nigella!" (Lawson)...making a rather yummy apple crumble. Bed.

FRIDAY

Up and out early. In work just after 7.00 a.m. Various duties to accomplish. Entries in my 'to do' book to tick off as done.

Spend afternoon and early evening in Town Hall. Meetings.

Meeting with Conservative and Liberal Democrat Leadership to discuss Council priorities and timings over the next six months or so.

Glass of Chardonnay with my two Deputy Leaders, Kate Hollern & Sue Reid on way home...Chance to reflect upon our first month.

SATURDAY

Up around eight...e-mail session...Read papers...game of golf...rain warmer than last week...Attend Jack Straw Victory Celebration...Make a speech & presentation to our MP & Foreign Secretary

Phew!