Cllr Awards 2023: Leader of the Year

Award Guidelines

As the public face of the council, leaders will have strong relationships with community groups and put residents at the heart of what they do. They will be prepared to answer difficult questions and ensure that they are held accountable for decisions that are made.

Leader of the Year

The councillor who wins this category will demonstrate that they have:

an outstanding commitment to their role as a councillor and council leader;
set a clear vision for the council’s role and priorities that meet the needs and preferences of the community;
successfully led the council towards achieving this vision;
strong relationships with community groups and council partners;
a strong commitment to transparency, accountability and scrutiny;
successfully united the council, accommodating different views and party splits, to deliver the best outcomes for the community.

Successful submissions should:

provide clear examples of work or projects they have carried out that have benefitted residents (either internal council structures/processes or outward-facing projects);
focus on how the leader has gone above and beyond their statutory role;
outline how they have effectively managed the council, particularly during the Covid-19 crisis.

Watch the stories of recent winners...

Recycling and regenerating: Teresa O'Neill OBE

Cllr O’Neill of the London Borough of Bexley was selected as Leader of the Year in England and Wales in 2022 for her strong stewardship of Bexley over the past 14 years. She was also recognised for her prominent role in developing the pan-London response to the Covid pandemic.

Regenerating the economy for the future: Tom Beattie

Cllr Beattie of Corby Borough Council was awarded Leader of the Year in 2020.

Mobilising community: Georgia Gould

Cllr Gould of Camden Council was awarded Leader of the Year in 2022 because of her dedication to the residents of Camden and her determination to tackle the inequalities exposed by the pandemic.

Feeling Inspired?

Leaders and elected mayors are integral to the strategic direction of the council – in articulating the vision, setting priorities and overseeing the delivery of their objectives. That’s why we’re showcasing their work here.

Approaching change proactively: John Alexander

Kim Fellows (KF) LGiU speaking to John Alexander (JA), Leader of the Year last year at the 2019 LGIU Scotland & CCLA Councillor Awards. Continue reading…

Online training: Chairing

Improve how you chair online, hybrid and in-person meetings and learn easy-to-implement techniques to manage participation. Master the technology, gain confidence, and hear from others’ experiences! Save your spot now.

The key role of the COSLA Presidency for Scottish local government

COSLA President Cllr Shona Morrison was elected as the 16th President of COSLA in June 2022, becoming the first SNP COSLA President, and the fourth female President of the organisation. Read the interview here.

In Coventry, the future is electric

Coventry is drawing on the innovative flair, determination and ingenuity of their people to continue the march towards environmentally sustainable travel. Read the article by Councillor George Duggins, Leader of Coventry City Council.

Steps for local leadership to help small businesses thrive

Archie Ratcliffe from the Federation of Small Businesses outlines the role local authorities can take in supporting local businesses and LGIU’s Greg Stride highlights the findings of our recent local government finance survey in relation to local businesses. Read more.

Climate action leadership – Highland Council’s Climate Action Committee

In September 2022, members of the Highland Council agreed to the terms of reference and the formal creation of a new Climate Change Committee. The important role of this Committee is to exemplify the significance of council leadership in tackling climate change. Learn more now.