Deputy council leader Daalat Ali shortlisted for 2023 LGIU & CCLA Councillor Award

One of Rochdale Borough Council’s deputy leaders has been shortlisted for an award at this year’s annual councillor awards by the Local Government Information Unit and the Churches, Charities and Local Authorities (CCLA) Investment Management Limited.

Councillor Daalat Ali has been shortlisted for the Resilience Champion accolade in the Cllr Awards, for his efforts in transforming the lives of the citizens of the borough of Rochdale, improving their health and wellbeing.

Over 300 nominations were received across five categories that celebrate the wide-ranging work of councillors.

Councillor Ali has been nominated for being “instrumental in implementing policies related to social and economic inclusion, housing, and employment opportunities” whilst “his leadership and vision have helped to create a more sustainable and prosperous future” for local people.

The Kingsway ward councillor was born in Kashmir and came to England at the age of 14. He started working in textile mills while studying at night school and has worked for Unicef in Kashmir, Rochdale Borough Council, Oldham Borough Council and Leeds City Council.

He was first elected as a councillor in 2010 and became deputy leader in 2018.

Councillor Ali is involved in extensive voluntary activities and is a founding member of the Kashmir Research and Review Centre, the Kashmir Youth Project in Rochdale and the Kashmir Broadcasting Corporation – which caters for Indo Arian languages in the UK.

He is also a part time lecturer at Manchester Metropolitan University since 2011, and has published a number of papers on Equality and Public Services.

Kuiama Thompson, director of public health and wellbeing at Rochdale Borough Council said: “Myself and colleagues from across health and care in Rochdale, nominated Councillor Daalat Ali for his passion and commitment in this area.

“Working closely with Councillor Ali is a privilege, he has been and he is working tirelessly to improve the health and wellbeing of the residents of Rochdale, tackling inequalities and championing inclusion.

“He truly deserves this recognition and we all congratulate him and wish him the best of luck in the finals.”

The Cllr Awards judging panel is made up of senior councillors and leading stakeholders from across the sector. These are the only national awards to celebrate and showcase the work of individual councillors.

Jonathan Carr-West, Chief Executive, LGIU said this year’s shortlist “represents some of the most devoted elected representatives,” adding: “As councils continue to deliver essential services like social care and housing amid a cost-of-living crisis, these awards are a hugely important way to champion what councillors do locally.

“Their work, all too often, goes unrecognised and we take great pride in featuring their stories in this year's shortlist.”

The winners will be announced at the Guildhall in London on 16 November 2023.