The winners of the Cllr Awards for England and Wales were announced by the Local Government Information Unit (LGIU) at an event on Tuesday night. Of the five awards two were won by Liberal Democrats, while a third was awarded to a former Lib Dem.
The Innovator of the Year award went to Cllr Alex Ehmann (centre of photo) of the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames. His citation says:
Councillor Alexander Ehmann of the London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames has elevated transport and air quality agendas by focusing on residents’ involvement in the design process. He is leading the council’s transformation of its transport strategy with the development of the Richmond 2040 plan. And he was responsible for an innovative new entry treatment for school streets, which is now being adopted by other London Boroughs.
Cllr Harry Boparai (second from left) from Spelthorne Borough Council and Surrey County Council was gained the Community Champion award.
Councillor Harry Boparai from Surrey County Council and Spelthorne Borough Council is a tireless, hands-on problem-solver praised for his impact on everyday quality of life. His focus is on the issues that matter to residents, from tackling rogue landlords and fly-tipping to improving road safety. Well-known for his practical support of local causes, he plays a leading role in protecting green spaces, heritage projects, and supporting organisations working with young people.
And we really should mention Cllr Fran Oborski (second from right), the Wyre Forest District Council, who was named as the Lifetime Legend, and who spent much of that lifetime as a Liberal Democrat.
Councillor Fran Oborski has served continuously on Wyre Forest District Council since its first election in 1973. She has held several leadership roles, including Deputy Leader and plays a pivotal role in both scrutiny and planning. Her enthusiasm and commitment to the area and residents still shine through. Her impact is evident in both policy, including her significant contribution to creating the Local Plan, and her dedication to the community with initiatives such as the HELP community centre and the No Barriers Awards and her tireless support of community organisations.
Winning an award is no mean achievement as they were selected from over 400 nominations. Hearty congratulations to them all!
* Mary Reid is a contributing editor on Lib Dem Voice. She was a councillor in Kingston upon Thames, where she is still very active with the local party, and is the Hon President of Kingston Lib Dems.
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7 Comments
I live on the Twickenham to Kingston Road. More and more cyclists are using the cycle path beside the road. It’s great to see children leading their watchful parent. With a borough wide speed limit of 20mph pollution is down and accident numbers are low. For oldies like me crossing the road is no longer scary. Thank you, Alexander and your team. Everyone come and see the success.
I am over the moon that Fran has got the Lifetime Legend Award. She epitomizes absolutely everything it means to be ‘Liberal’. I remember her and Mike at the Liberal Assembly in 1979. Mike will be looking down on her and smiling. Fran you have done humanity proud!!
Thank you. The Award was a great honour and sadly I was forced out of the LibDems, I never wanted to leave, politically it’s where my heart is and I really really want to find a way back! Worcestershire faces going Unitary and I want to wrestle what was my St Chads seat back from Reform and I really want to be able to do that as a LibDem
Fran Oborski – first congratulations! I don’t know the circumstances which resulted in you leaving the party (and best not to discuss here) but I do know that you made an enormous contribution as a Liberal Democrat.
Congratulations to all 3 of you. Fran – I’m ex-SDP, but you and Mike always inspired. I don’t know why you felt being forced out of our Party, but please come back. St Chads, the Liberal Democrats and the country needs you.
I congratulate Fran on this award. It confirms the belief that I first formed when I first persuaded her to be a council candidate . She has been an asset to the Liberals and Liberal Democrats and the sooner she is busily taking part in LibDem Campaigns again the better! I’m sure Party members will enthusiastically welcome her back!
I too knew Fran (and Mike) back in the ‘good old days ‘ of the Association of Liberal Councillors, and thoroughly endorse the supportive comments above. In my opinion I believe you would be very welcome back amongst us, so let’s hope a way can be found to achieve that!