Council leader shortlisted for top award

Council Leader Councillor Colin Lambert

The leader of Rochdale Council, Councillor Colin Lambert, was shortlisted for the Leader of the Year award in the Councillor Achievement Awards.

Councillor Lambert was one of ten council leaders from across the country to make the shortlist.

Manchester City Council Leader, Sir Richard Leese won the award, which was announced at a ceremony at Westminster City Hall, London, last night (Monday 27 February 2012).

With over 250 entries it was the strongest field of candidates ever; those who have made the shortlist are considered the ones who have made a huge difference to their communities.

Councillor Lambert who attended the ceremony, said: “What an honour and humbling experience to have been nominated, yet alone have been shortlisted to the top ten in the UK.

“I am honoured to have been nominated and humbled to be in the top ten council leaders in my first year.

“I have to recognise the fact that Rochdale has never had a nomination for any leader in the past for any political party.

“I also have to note for the only leader to have been supported for such a nomination so soon, it says a lot about how poor the previous politicians have been.”

Council Leaders from Blackburn and Darwen Council, Staffordshire County Council, Basildon Council, Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, Corby Borough Council, London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham Council, Plymouth City Council and London Borough of Lambeth Council also made the shortlist.

The Councillor Achievement Awards are established as the only national ceremony to recognise and reward the work of councillors from across the political spectrum.