COUNCILLOR Kevin Bentley, Leader of Essex County Council, has been shortlisted for Leader of the Year at the 2025 LGIU and CCLA Cllr Awards.

Now in their 16th year in England and 8th year in Scotland, these Awards highlight the vital contribution of councillors, often the unsung heroes of local democracy. From championing residents’ interests to leading innovation in public services, councillors play a crucial role in shaping communities and improving lives, and they do so while giving up their time and energy for what is often a voluntary, unpaid role.

This year’s competition was extremely tight, with more than 400 nominations received across five categories that celebrate the wide-ranging work of councillors: Community Champion, Leader of the Year, Young Councillor of the Year, Innovator of the Year and Lifetime Legend. 

The Leader of the Year award honours council leaders who have demonstrated outstanding political and personal leadership. From setting the strategic vision to making tough decisions, council leaders play a vital role in ensuring local government remains effective, accountable and resilient.

The full England & Wales shortlist is available here and Scotland winners can be found here.

Winners in Scotland were revealed on Wednesday 5 November at the Glasgow City Chambers while winners in England & Wales will be announced on Tuesday 18 November at the Guildhall in London. 

The Cllr Awards judging panels comprise senior councillors and leading stakeholders from across the sector. These are the only national awards to celebrate and showcase the work of individual councillors. This year’s awards are made possible thanks to the generous support of founding partner CCLA.

Jonathan Carr-West, Chief Executive, Local Government Information Unit (LGIU) said: “Our annual Cllr awards demonstrate the best of local government. With more than 400 nominations, competition was extremely tight, with inspiring stories of councillors up and down the country going the extra mile to improve their local area. 

Councillors are at the heart of local democracy, working tirelessly to support their communities and drive change. These awards are about celebrating the often unseen but hugely important contribution councillors make every day. This year’s shortlist is a testament to the dedication, creativity and leadership shown by councillors across the country.

Congratulations to all the councillors nominated and shortlisted and I look forward to announcing the winners in November.”

Lee Jagger, Local Government, Relationship Manager, CCLA said: “Every one of the councillors on the Cllr Awards shortlist this year has had a significant and positive impact on their communities and on the lives of their individual residents. That’s what the councillor role is all about – ordinary people trying to make the places that we live and work better. CCLA is very proud to have supported these Awards from the very beginning and to be part of this important celebration of the best of local government.”