The Awards recognise extraordinary service by local authority councillors across the whole country. The awards are described as providing “a platform to celebrate the vital contributions that these heroes of our local democracy make to communities and the lives of residents across England, Wales and Scotland.”
The ceremony saw awards given out across five categories:
- Innovator of the Year
- Young Councillor of the Year
- Lifetime Legend
- Community Champion of the Year
- Leader of the Year
Going into the event, Bridget was shortlisted for the “Leader of the Year” award alongside five other council leaders from across the country. Whilst she wasn’t chosen for the main award, Bridget was notably the only person across the nominees in all categories to be honoured with a “special mention”. When announcing the commendation, judges highlighted both the success of the council’s four-day-week trial and Bridget’s efforts to stand up for local democracy and local government in the face of much pressure from successive national governments, including over plans for local government reorganisation.
Cllr Brian Milnes, Deputy Leader of South Cambridgeshire District Council (Lib Dem, Sawston ward) said: "We are all immensely grateful for the dedication Bridget has shown over the last seven years as Leader of South Cambridgeshire.
“Being shortlisted as national Leader of the Year, from amongst 400 nominees in all categories, reflects the tremendous respect in which Bridget is held among her peers. It recognises the success she has achieved in creating a fairer, kinder and greener South Cambridgeshire.
“Congratulations Bridget! A well-deserved recognition of how much you care about making our district a better place for everybody!”
