Cllr David Chadwick has been officially sworn in as the Mayor of Bolton for the 2025/26 term.
His appointment marks the culmination of a lifelong connection to the town and a dedicated career of public service.
Born in Morris Green, where his parents ran a local confectionery shop, Cllr Chadwick’s roots run deep within the Bolton community.
He attended St Bede’s C of E School and Bolton County Grammar School before embarking on a diverse career in the textile industry, eventually transitioning to a role as a Health and Safety Officer.
In 1980, Cllr Chadwick joined Bolton Heath Authority as a Health and Safety Officer, demonstrating an early commitment to the well-being of the town’s residents.
His dedication led to a promotion to Computer Services Manager, a position he held at the Royal Bolton Hospital for an impressive 29 years until his retirement.
Supporting him throughout his mayoral year will be his wife, Valerie, who will serve as one of his Mayoresses.
The couple, who married in 1983 and settled in Westhoughton, have two children, Matthew and Victoria. Victoria will also undertake the role of Mayoress alongside her mother. Cllr and Mrs Chadwick are also the proud grandparents of four: Henry, Olive, Spencer, and Ari.
Cllr Chadwick’s journey into local politics began in 1994 with his election to Westhoughton Town Council. His commitment to his community saw him elected to Bolton Council in 1998, initially representing Westhoughton. From 2007 to 2019, and again from 2023 to the present day, he has served the residents of Westhoughton South.
During his time on Bolton Council, Cllr Chadwick has held numerous significant roles, including Executive Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, Chair of Licensing, Chief Whip, and active participation in several scrutiny committees.
His dedication extends beyond the council chambers, as he serves as a governor for Westhoughton High School, St Thomas’s Chequerbent C of E Primary School, and Eatock Primary School.
Deeply invested in his local community, Cllr Chadwick is also a trustee of Senior Solutions in Westhoughton and actively assists at The Hub and Westhoughton Assist Service, where he also holds a trustee position.
A passionate supporter of Bolton Wanderers Football Club, holding a season ticket for the majority of his life, Cllr Chadwick has chosen three local charities close to his heart for his mayoral year.
These include the Critical Care Unit of Bolton Hospital, where he personally received care for over two months during the winter of 2024/25, Westhoughton Assist Service for their vital work with the local foodbank, and Bolton Wanderers in the Community, which harnesses the power of the football club to inspire positive change across all age groups.
Expressing his deep connection to the town, Cllr Chadwick stated, “As a proud Boltonian, David has always aspired to becoming Mayor of Bolton and is honoured and privileged to achieve this ambition.”
Upon assuming office, Cllr Chadwick said, “I am incredibly proud to serve as Mayor of Bolton, and to represent my hometown as First Citizen. The people are what makes Bolton so special, and I am looking forward to meeting the many outstanding individuals, charities and community groups who contribute so much to life in our borough.”
The new Mayor’s first official engagement was scheduled for Sunday, May 18th, with the traditional Civic Sunday parade and church service.