I am encouraging Lib Dem members to help me nominate a hard-working local activist or councillor for the Europe-wide Local Leader award.

Last year I was delighted when two of my nominations, Andrew Nesbitt from Scotland and David Tutt from Eastbourne made it through to the final round. I was hugely proud that David went on to win the prize for “Achievement in Government”.  I know that we have lots of talented people working hard on their communities, so do let me know so I can nominate them.

The Liberal group in Europe (ALDE) are offering a variety of awards for exceptional local representatives of European liberal parties. The award categories on offer are:

·         Achievement in Government 
·         Achievement in Opposition 
·         Most effective EU Ambassador 
·         Best Elections Campaign 
·         Young European of the Year 
·         Life-time Achievement Award 
·         Achievement in interaction with citizens via Digital Communications

So I am inviting nominations for these awards from the UK. I need 150 words on why you think someone should be nominated for an award before the closing date of January 31st 2016. The winner of each award will be invited to the European Committee of Regions in Brussels for the awards ceremony where they will get to meet grassroots campaigners from liberal sister party delegations such as the Dutch D66. 

If you are a Lib Dem member and you know a local activist or councillor who has gone above and beyond the call of duty and you would like to nominate them for an award; please send your nomination to: [email protected]

* Catherine Bearder is a Liberal Democrat MEP for the South East and Leader of the European Parliament Liberal Democrat Group.