The borough of Rochdale welcomed its new mayor as Councillor Faisal Rana was sworn in to office during a ceremony in Rochdale on Wednesday, 20 May 2026.
The appointment was made following a meeting of the council.
Mayoress will be Mrs Iram Faisal and their consort is Mr Basharat Umer.
The ceremony at Rochdale Town Hall was enjoyed by over 300 guests.
The event was attended by former mayors, deputy lieutenants, diplomats from across the world, sea and navy cadets as well as other distinguished guests and community leaders as the departing mayor Janet Emsley and consort Ken Emsley handed over their chains of office.
Councillor Neil Emmott formally welcomes the mayoral election.
‘Proud’
The event was held at Rochdale Town Hall and began with a rousing fanfare played by Rochdale Music Service.
Councillor Faisal Rana addresses 300 guests at Rochdale Town Hall, making his first speech as mayor.
A short blessing was read by Reverend Gill Barnett, Dean of Rochdale after Councillor Rana made a declaration, accepting mayoral office. After receiving his chain, the new mayor made his first speech to an audience of over 300. He said:
“I’m immensely proud and can’t wait to get started, raising money for my chosen charities and ensuring every voice in Rochdale is heard and celebrated.”
The mayor’s responsibilities include chairing full council meetings, as well as attending hundreds of engagements, events and fundraisers.
Violinist, actor and composer Faz Shah entertained a packed audience during the evening.
Outgoing mayor Janet Emsley said the year will live with her forever, thanking her consort and husband Ken Emsley along with everyone she has met during the year. She said:
“I have seen at first-hand what makes our borough tick, the values that hold us together and the rich and diverse community I am proud to call my heritage and home. There are so many unsung heroes in our borough that I have reached over the last year. I would like to thank everyone who has made me so welcome over the last 12 months, a huge thanks to Ken, who has been by my side throughout, the superb mayoral team and, more than ever, a huge thanks to my mayoral charities and my committee, who do so much for so many.”
Desi Nach performed during the ceremony at Rochdale Town Hall.
The Mayor’s Charity Appeal for 2026/27 will be raising funds for Springhill Hospice, The Christie, SANDS (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society), the Rochdale Veterans’ Breakfast Club, and the Rochdale Women’s Welfare Association.
New mayor Councillor Faisal Rana brings a wealth of international experience, a disciplined military background and a commitment to the diverse communities of the borough. Born in Lahore, Pakistan, after completing his secondary education he served as a commissioned officer in the Pakistan Navy. During his military career he earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, a certificate in marine engineering specialisation and a prestigious diploma in warship construction from the DCN Lorient Naval Shipbuilding Dockyard in France. Since settling in the UK, Faisal has established himself as a respected community leader, entrepreneur and public servant. For nearly a decade, he has represented the residents of Spotland and Falinge. Beyond the council, Faisal is a seasoned businessman with 23 years of experience as a director for a company associated with Shell UK Ltd. He now manages a thriving property portfolio that contributes to Rochdale’s economic development.
New mayor of Rochdale, Councillor Faisal Rana (centre) with mayoress Iram Faisal and consort Mr Basharat Umer.
Mayoress Iram Faisal was born and raised in Rochdale. She attended Spotland Primary School and Falinge Park High School before starting her family. A proud mother of 5, 3 of her children are doctors, while her twins are currently studying at university. Iram served as a committed councillor for Spotland and Falinge for 5 years. Until May 2026 she served as chair of Rochdale North Township as well as Assistant Portfolio Holder for Health. Prior to entering public service, she was a successful multi-operator for Shell UK, managing 14 petrol stations across the Northwest.
During the ceremony, a past mayor’s medallion was presented to Janet Emsley.
New mayor Councillor Faisal Rana with 2 cadets who attended the evening. Faisal served as a commissioned officer in the Pakistan Navy.
Deputy Mayor for the new year will be Councillor Andy Kelly, deputy Mayoress will be Jennifer Kelly. They were presented with their chains during the ceremony. Entertainment included performances by Rochdale Music Service, a dance routine by Desi Nach and violinist Faz Shah.