They have been shortlisted for the Leader of the Year, Community Champion and Young Councillor of the Year awards at the 2018 Councillor Achievement Awards.
The Leader was shortlisted for the award for his inspirational leadership of the Council which has enabled Wolverhampton to go from strength to strength.
The Leader has been credited with creating a City of Opportunity; winning four awards at the 2017 MJ Awards – more than any other in one year, securing the only ‘good’ Ofsted Children’s Services rating in the Black Country last year, alongside the accolade of being in the top 20% of most improved authorities for education, as well as securing the largest devolution deal in the country. Despite huge grant funding cuts and the city being the 17th most deprived area in the UK, he has consistently demonstrated clear vision and strong leadership to prioritise economic and skills development, so all residents benefit from jobs created by £3.7bn investment in the city.
On being nominated, the Leader said: “I am pleased to have been nominated for such a prestigious award. I have been supported and encouraged by hardworking and dedicated colleagues across the political spectrum so a special thanks to all of them, as without, I wouldn’t have been shortlisted.
“I am up against some worthy competitors, so I wish everyone luck for the awards night.”
Councillor Momenabadi, ward member for Ettingshall was shortlisted for the award for a host of reasons – her dedication to the role, combining her Councillor role with a full-time job and becoming a well-known face in her local ward due to her comprehensive understanding of the issues which her ward faces daily.
Although a relatively new councillor, joining the council in May 2018 aged just 26, Beverley’s fresh approach to being a councillor has made a big impact on not only the council but the people who live in her ward.
Councillor Momenabadi said: “It is such a pleasant surprise to be nominated for the award, I’m so grateful and excited by the nomination.
“I have only been a Councillor since May this year, so I’m really moved that I have been recognised in such a short amount of time. I feel really privileged to be the youngest Councillor in Wolverhampton and to be able to represent the people and area where I live and work. Thank you to those who have supported me on this journey so far.”
Councillor Hibbert, Councillor for Penn Ward Wolverhampton was shortlisted for her work across the Penn community. She is also a relatively new councillor, joining the council in May 2018 and actively volunteers in the community. As well as volunteering at local schools and libraries, she also mentors’ young people around Penn and runs a citywide women’s group. Councillor Hibbert uses her social media to encourage community engagement and often will have both the young and old commenting on how inspired they feel with the work she does in the community.
Councillor Hibbert said: “I’m absolutely thrilled on several levels to be nominated under ‘Community Champion’ category of the LGiU & CCLA’s C’llr Achievement Awards 2018.
“For me, Community Engagement is the soul of everything and to be recognised nationally as a Community Champion, is just mind blowing. This award is as prestigious as it gets. I’m overwhelmed with joy, pride and honoured to have made the tight shortlist of nominees invited to London.”
The LGiU & CCLA’s C’llr Achievement Awards are the only awards celebrating the important work of Councillors and elected members.
This year’s awards will take place on Tuesday 6 November at the Guildhall, London and will be attended by more than 200 council leaders, chief executives, Councillors and stakeholders for an evening of celebration.
For more information, and to see the other shortlisted candidates, please click here.
The Local Government Information Unit (LGiU) is a London-based thinktank and registered charity. Established in 1983 as a membership organisation for UK local authorities, the LGiU states that its mission is to strengthen local democracy and put citizens in control of their own lives, communities and services.