Cllr Awards: Young Councillor of the Year

Award Guidelines

This award recognises a councillor who was 30 or younger when last elected and who has contributed significantly to their community and council during their time in office.

Young Councillor of the Year

The councillor who wins this category will:
• be a councillor who was 30 or under when last elected;
• demonstrate a commitment to working for the community using council structures;
• have contributed to or delivered a key council project which benefits residents.

Successful submissions should:
• provide clear examples of work or projects they have carried out;
• focus on how they have gone above and beyond their statutory role.

Watch the stories of recent winners...

Engaging youth in politics: Mariam Dawood

Cllr Dawood of the London Borough of Newham was selected for the Young Councillor of the Year Award in 2022 in England and Wales. She was recognised for her determination to increase young people’s participation in democratic processes by setting up, funding and running a two-day politics summer school in her area.

Championing equalities: Connor McManus

Cllr McManus of Midlothian Council was selected as the 2022 Young Councillor of the Year for getting the voices of young people included in policy-making as well as his leadership promoting equality for the LGBTQIA+ community.

Increasing accessibility: Amy Heley

Cllr Heley of Brighton and Hove City Council was awarded Young Councillor of the Year in 2021 in England and Wales due to her instrumental changes to travel infrastructures such as cycle lanes, a school streets project and the redesign of ‘Madeira Drive’.

Feeling Inspired?

Young councillors overcome substantial barriers to thrive while balancing work, studies, family, and financial pressures. Explore some of what LGIU has to offer for and on the topic of young people and democracy.

Cllr Connor McManus on Tackling Gender Based Violence at Midlothian Council

I was always aware of equality issues and I’ve always been a bit of an activist so I think it was a natural suggestion to put me in the role of Equalities Champion. I have always had ideas to combat violence against women and I personally know people affected by domestic violence, so it is something I am quite passionate about. Continue reading…

A trio of winners from Oldham

The representation of young people in local government is vital. We need the energy, new ideas and talent that young people have to offer local authorities. Read the full story…

Online training: Make a difference as a councillor

This interactive workshop will give you some of the tricks of the trade from an experienced councillor and democratic services officer and leave you with actions to make a difference for your community. This workshop will also help you keep hold of the bigger picture and achieve your goals for your community. Save your spot!

Global Local Magazine: Young people and democracy

In this edition of Global Local, we’re examining young people’s view of democracy and how local government can better engage our youngest citizens. Explore the mag!

How Kirklees Council’s pioneering Democracy Friendly Schools programme is inspiring young people to get involved in local democracy

Young people told the Democracy Commission that they felt overlooked – they were always “in the background” and often “invisible” to decision makers. Youth Council members said what they wanted most was for councillors… continue reading

Are young people losing faith in democracy? It’s complicated…

Healthy democracies are characterised by active engagement between governments and citizens at election time and between electoral cycles. Civic participation, by which communities work together or as individuals… continue reading.