Race fears erupt after council votes overwhelmingly for Britain's first British National Party mayor - 12th Apr 2011

A town just three miles from the scene of major race riots is set to become the first in the UK to have a BNP member as its mayor.

Councillors have voted overwhelmingly for John Cave to take over as civic leader of Padiham, Lancashire.

But critics have warned the appointment reflects poorly on the town and argued that he cannot serve the whole community without 'rejecting his party's philosophy.'

Councillor Cave has previously claimed that party politics were behind those who opposed his selection.

He will become Deputy Mayor in the next civic year and take the chains of office 12 months later.

He says he is proud to serve the town, which is situated about three miles from Burnley and has a population of around 9,000.

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. Read More