Each year at Autumn Conference, the Party President presents awards for outstanding service to the Liberal Democrats.

Tim Farron appealed for nominations back in May, and presented the awards on the final afternoon of Conference in Brighton last week.

Tim Farron also took a moment to thank all those who work hard in their local areas and for their local parties, everyone who campaigned in the council elections in May, and those who will play a part in this autumn’s elections for Police Commissioners, the Bristol Mayor and Parliamentary by-elections.

The winners of the 2012 Party Awards are as follows:

Patsy Calton Award (from the Women Liberal Democrats)

This year, two women were chosen to share the award for their extraordinary dedication:

Baroness Brinton

Tim Farron said,

Many of us know Sal as cheerful, energetic, and courageous – she has inspired and motivated people throughout the Party in her career as a county councillor, her work on education, and when standing for parliamentary seats in Cambridge and Watford. She was appointed to the House of Lords in 2011, and I’m sure you’ll agree with me that Sal has given outstanding service to the Party, as well as to individual members and candidates. I’m delighted to present her with the Patsy Calton this year.

Councillor Jane Hollis

Tim Farron said,

Jane has almost single-handedly raised the South Northamptonshire local party from being a black hole to an area where we wiped the floor with the Conservatives at two local by-elections. She’s worked hard to badger as many people as possible into helping out at all levels – from leafleting to fundraising, and encouraged young people into active roles. She’s a brilliant example of local activism in action, and I’m pleased to award her the Patsy Calton this year.

Dadabhai Naoroji Award

Leicester Liberal Democrats (and a commendation for Camden local party).

Tim Farron said,

They sent us an incredibly detailed application – 9 pages in all(!) about the work they had done in their local executive and in local and national elections to represent one of the most diverse cities in the UK. We were in no doubt that their future campaigns will benefit from the work they have done for many years to encourage a wide variety of people into their local party. I’m pleased to welcome representatives of Leicester to accept the Dadabhai Naoroji Award.

Belinda Eyre-Brook Award

Duncan Borrowman, assistant to the Surrey County Council Group.

…a proactive political assistant whose thorough research and drafting of questions has helped the Surrey group to be a highly effective opposition. Perhaps the most important work he does is with artworking and press releases, where he’s key to getting the Party’s message out to the press and the public.

Harriet Smith Award

Diana Iwi, from Barnet Borough Party.

She has been active in the party for longer than even the people who nominate her can remember – though they tell us that she first stood for election in 1968. Since then, she has been permanently active – as an exec member in the local party; as chair; as secretary; as an agent and organiser. I believe she tried to retire a couple of years ago, only to be brought back to act as an agent in East Finchley. All this without being elected to public office.

Michael Foxley, member in the Highlands.

We had a fantastic field this year, and it was very difficult for us to decide (and agree!) on a winner. But I’m pleased to say that this year’s winner is Michael Foxley, member in the Highlands and previously Convenor of the Liberal Democrat group on Highland Council. He has made an huge contribution to both the Party and people of the Highlands his many years as a member and councillor, and I’m sorry he couldn’t be here today to pick up his award. So I ask Danny Alexander to come up and accept the President’s Award on his behalf.

Congratulations to all the winners!