Tameside Announces New Civic Mayor

COUNCILLOR Helen Bowden is to be Tameside’s new Civic Mayor for 2026/ 2027, having been elected at the Council’s Annual Meeting on Tuesday 26 May.

Cllr Bowden has held the position of the Borough’s Deputy Mayor for 2025/26 and was elected to Tameside Council in 2007, representing Hyde Newton Ward. She is married to Mr Leslie Bowden, who will be her Consort.

Known for her involvement in community activities, the new Civic Mayor actively works with mental health groups.

Beyond her public duties, she loves helping people and has a range of interests in sports, both football and cycling.

She said: ‘’I am proud to be stepping into the role of Civic Mayor and excited to continue supporting our community’s borough-wide in such a prestigious position. 

“Being appointed is a true honour, I’m looking forward to meeting so many people and organisations who make such a positive difference across our Borough. 

‘’I’d also like to acknowledge the incredible year the retiring civic mayor Shibley Alam has led, not only as the 50th Civic Mayor in Tameside but also the first woman born in Bangladesh to be a mayor of any authority in the north-west.’’

The new civic mayor’s chosen charities include:

• People First Tameside, a user-led organisation where people with learning disabilities are supported with social activities, day services, training on hate crime and disability awareness, information and advice, and independent living skills. 
• Hyde Festival Theatre, a volunteer run theatre which ensures the venue remains an important cultural and community facility in Tameside.
• Wooden Canal Boat Society Ltd, established by volunteers to save the rapidly diminishing number of wooden canal boats and put them to work for the community.

Her chaplain is Linda Marshall.

The new Deputy Mayor is set to be Councillor Jacqueline Owen, who represents Longdendale ward.