As Chief Executive of Burnley Borough Council, Lukman has helped lead the country’s fourth most deprived borough through significant change, championing a positive and ambitious vision for Burnley while securing investment and supporting regeneration. In the face of some of the most severe reductions in local government funding since 2011, Burnley has maintained a relentless focus on sustaining essential services, delivering pioneering regeneration, promoting culture and heritage, and supporting communities. Burnley was named LGC Council of the Year 2026 and was highly commended in 2025