By Cllr Clive Jefferson – John Cave, the ex-Burnley Organiser and husband of British National Party District and County Councillor Sharon Wilkinson, has just been declared Deputy Mayor of Padiham in Lancashire. 

John took his seat on Padiham Town Council in 2010 when he was elected unopposed in last year’s elections.

He said that the decision meant that common sense had prevailed after a minority of councillors raised objections to his appointment, based on motives he claimed were party political.

However, the confusion and controversy over standing order rules were quashed as a majority of Padiham town councillors voted in favour of Cllr Cave at a meeting on Monday 4th April.

Speaking afterwards, Cllr Cave said he was delighted with the decision and is looking forward to performing his duty as Deputy Mayor for Padiham.

He said: “It is a vote of confidence. This is my home town, and I was born here. It is all about Padiham, and Padiham is not about politics. I will be raising money for charities – but they have to be in Padiham. For me Padiham is home, and I think it could be a lot better. Keeping the Town hall alive is one of the biggest jobs we’ve got.”

Last week Cllr Cave told British National Party News that some council members said standing order rules prevented him from being nominated as deputy mayor.

However, clarification from Burnley Borough Council’s democracy officers revealed the ultimate decision lay with Padiham.

Cllr Cave, who joined the council 12 months ago, said: “The system was arranged so everybody could have a chance. One or two were opposed to the idea and interpreted the rules in a different way. If you looked around and everybody had said ‘no’, then I would have said obviously they didn’t want me on the council – but there were only a couple of people against it. The majority are happy with the decision.”

The future Mayor said he was looking forward to the role and was confident his British National Party background would not create tensions.

“Look at Sharon. She does a great job, and no-one has any problem with her. There have never been issues with her. She does a great job, as everyone knows.”