The Lord Mayor
Lord Mayor 2026-2027: Councillor Chris Herd
The Lord Mayor, Cllr Chris Herd, is a Bradford lad through and through, having grown up in the local area. After completing his education he began work at a local butcher in Keighley, working his way up to become a Master Butcher. Chris owned and ran the thriving C & L Herd Butchers on Queen Road, Ingrow, supplying good quality, locally sourced beef, as well as chicken, sausages and a range of other products for over 25 years.
Chris married a local Bradford lass, Linda in 1993, who oversaw the bakery side of the family business producing delicious pies and pastries daily. The couple have three children Rebecca, James and William, have two grandchildren Roseanna and Isla.
The Lord Mayor and his wife treasure and remain true to their roots and now live and run a farm in Oxenhope, proud to be the third generation of their family to do so. The farm is a mixed producer, the couple rear cattle, sheep and chickens, much of their produce is sold in their shop – a truly field to fork operation.
Prior to becoming Lord Mayor, Chris was one of 3 District Councillors in the Worth Valley and has recently been re-elected to serve a further term. He is also a Keighley Town Councillor and honoured to be voted the Town Mayor 2025-2026.
The Lord Mayor is a well known and respected figure across the district. Chris was proud to be President of Keighley Agricultural Show in 2016 and has continued his involvement with the annual Show based at Marley on the first Saturday of September each year. In February 2026, the Lord Mayor was delighted to organise and attend the Three Valleys Vintage Tractor Run, raising funds for Manorlands Hospice, Oxenhope and the Baton of Hope Suicide Prevention Campaign.
During his Mayoral year, the Lord Mayor will be raising funds for three local charities via his Lord Mayor’s Appeal. Down Syndrome Training & Support, Bradford Sea Cadets and Nebula girls group. The Lord Mayor looks forward to welcoming you to an Appeal event which are run throughout the year.
The Lord Mayor has no allergies or dietary requirements; he prefers coffee to tea and enjoys the occasional glass of local real ale.
Lady Mayoress 2026-2027: Mrs Linda Herd
The Lady Mayoress, Mrs Linda Herd, was born and raised in the village of Oxenhope, where the couple now live. Linda is someone who has always stayed true to her Yorkshire roots and strong sense of community.
Her working life began as a chef, where her passion for good food and good company began. Today, Linda is a proud owner and worker at the family business, C & L Herd Butchers, where hard work, dedication, and family values are at the heart of everything they do. Linda also lends a helping hand on the family farm, where she and her husband Chris, rear cattle, sheep and chickens.
Family means everything to the couple. She is a devoted mum to three children and a proud grandmother to two granddaughters. Chris would say that “Linda truly is the glue that holds the family together, always bringing everyone together with love, strength and support. She is the best mum and grandmother and there’s nothing more important than family.”
Outside of work, Linda is a talented baker, having overseen the bakery side of the family business for many years. Linda isn’t ashamed to admit that she does love a piece of cake herself. She has no dietary requirements and prefers a good cup of coffee over a tea.