At just 40 he is the youngest person ever to hold the historic office of first citizen.
But the Atherleigh councillor doesn’t intend that to be the only thing he’s remembered for!
Cllr Aldred was born in the mining village of Howe Bridge in 1968. An old boy of St Philip’s and then Hesketh Fletcher High School, Cllr Aldred spent a brief time living in Tyldesley when he married wife Karen – his mayoress and a councillor for the Atherton ward in her own right.
But since then he has settled in Atherton and the couple now have two children, Martin, aged 15 and Chloe, 10.
Through his work as a locksmith Cllr Aldred became interested in local government, with the desire to help people becoming a passion that moved him to stand as a councillor in 2001.
He says: “I have always believed in helping people in practical ways. I am proud to say that they have put their trust in me over the years.”
When it comes to raising money for worthy causes Cllr Aldred is a bit of an expert. Each year he and Karen run a Santa charity appeal, which sees him dressing up as the big man in red and visiting children all over the borough.
During their year of office the mayor and mayoress will be supporting a cause that is very close to their hearts.
They told Borough Life: “We know at first hand the pressures that dementia can cause for both carers and families. We would like to do as much as possible to help expand the range of services available for people with dementia, as well as recognising the work of the unsung heroes who care for their loved ones.”
