Civic Mayor Profile

Councillor Helen Bowden

Councillor Helen Bowden has been announced as the Civic Mayor of Tameside.

Previously serving as the Borough’s Deputy Mayor, Councillor Bowden was elected to Tameside Council in 2007 and represents the Hyde Newton Ward. She is married to Mr Leslie Bowden, who is her Consort.

The Civic Mayor is known for her active involvement in community activities and her work with Mental Health Groups in Newton.

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

The Civic Mayor's chosen charities are:

Wooden Canal Boat Society Ltd - a charity, which was established by volunteers to save some of the rapidly diminishing number of wooden canal boats and put them to work for the community.

People First Tameside - a user-led organisation, where people with learning disabilities are at the heart of everything they do and offer social activities, day services, training on hate crime and disability awareness, information and advice, and independent living skills.

Hyde Festival Theatre - an entirely volunteer-run theatre, which has no paid members of staff.  The theatre has a dedicated team, who give their time to ensure the venue remains an important cultural and community facility for the residents of Tameside.

The Civic Mayor’s chaplain is Linda Marshall.

The Deputy Mayor of Tameside for 2026 - 27 is Councillor Jacqueline Owen, who represents Longdendale Ward.

Civic Mayor

The Civic Mayor, and in his/her absence, the Deputy Mayor, preside over the first and opening part of each Council meeting.

The Civic Mayor and Deputy Mayor will be elected by the Council annually. The Civic Mayor will have the following responsibilities:-

1. to uphold and promote the purposes of the Constitution, and to interpret the Constitution when necessary;
2. to promote public involvement in the Council’s activities;
3. to be the conscience of the Council;
4. as the first citizen of Tameside to deal with his/her ambassadorial role both inside and outside the Borough;
5. to preside over the first and opening part of each Council meeting;
6. to market Tameside in a positive manner; and
7. to attend such civic and ceremonial functions as the Council or (s)he determines appropriate.