HYNDBURN councillors have united behind their new mayor as the borough prepares to make local government history with his installation tonight.

Councillor Mirza Yousaf is set to become the north west's first Asian mayor when he takes the chains of office with his daughter Shaheen Musaret as Mayoress.

But his elevation to first citizen status has been surrounded by controversy.

The Conservative group was left reeling by the shock election defeats of their mayor and mayoress-elect, Doug and Sandra Hayes.

Then the Labour group ignored normal selection procedures and promoted

Coun. Yousaf, then deputy-mayor elect, above Tory nominee, Coun. Peter Britcliffe.

The Tories were furious, because Labour had over-ruled the traditional

procedure of taking the role in turns.

But Mr Britcliffe said this week he would support the new nomination. He said: "This is not a step down, just a sign of respect for the Mayoralty."

Coun Yousaf, 60, said he would now concentrate on his role as Mayor, which he wants to have an East-meets-West theme.

Aided by his 29-year-old daughter Shaheen, Coun Yousaf, of Plantation Street, Accrington, hopes to improve equal opportunities in the borough.

The father-of-three added: "I want to help people with disabilities, handicaps and older folk.

"I want to serve and represent everyone, whatever their faith or belief."

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