Cllr Charlotte Vernon is Deputy Chairman of the Conservative Councillors’ Association
Conservative councillors rarely seek the spotlight.
They are the people on the front line, championing local communities, standing up for residents and delivering practical Conservative leadership where it really matters. They do this against a backdrop of increasing financial pressures, greater public scrutiny and, often, with very little thanks.
No Councillor becomes a councillor for thanks, but across our country there are thousands of Conservative councillors who are making a remarkable difference to the communities they serve.
Last year, the Conservative Councillors’ Association launched the inaugural CCA Local Government Awards to celebrate exactly that. The response was extraordinary. We received nominations from every corner of the country, highlighting councillors whose commitment, energy and dedication embodied the very best of public service.
The awards ceremony at Party Conference demonstrated something many people too often overlook local democracy really matters, and the men and women who serve in local government deserve recognition for the work they do on behalf of residents.
Today, I am delighted to announce that nominations are now open for the 2026 CCA Local Government Awards.
These awards are about recognising excellence in Conservative local government and ensuring that those who work tirelessly for their communities receive the acknowledgement they deserve.
This year’s categories are:
Campaigner of the Year
For the councillor whose determination and commitment to campaigning has made a real impact, whether on the doorstep, through local initiatives, online engagement, or community action.
New Councillor of the Year
For councillors elected since May 2025 who have made an immediate impression and demonstrated outstanding commitment in the early stages of their service.
Lifetime Achievement Award
For a current or former councillor whose years of dedication have left a lasting legacy for both their community and our Party.
Councillor of the Year
For a currently serving councillor who has delivered exceptional results, leadership and service for their community over the past year.
The purpose of these awards is not simply to celebrate individual achievement. They are an opportunity to showcase the enormous contribution Conservative councillors make every day.
So, I have a simple question.
Do you know a Conservative councillor who deserves recognition?
Perhaps it is a councillor who led a successful local campaign. Perhaps it is someone who transformed a service, protected taxpayers’ money, championed a local cause, or has devoted decades of service to their community without ever seeking recognition.
If so, I encourage you to submit a nomination.
Nominations can be submitted online via the CCA Local Government Awards nomination form.
The deadline for nominations is 12 noon on Friday 11th September 2026, so please don’t leave it until the last minute. Whether you are a fellow councillor, an association officer, a local campaigner or a resident who has seen first-hand the difference a Conservative councillor has made, we want to hear your story.
The strongest nominations are often those that tell a story: a story of determination, leadership, innovation, or commitment to public service. We want to hear about the councillors who are making a real difference.
Across the country, Conservative councillors are proving every day that local democracy works best when it is driven by people who care deeply about their communities.
Now is the time to celebrate them.
I look forward to reading about the outstanding councillors who continue to embody the very best of Conservative local government.
Cllr Charlotte Vernon is Deputy Chairman of the Conservative Councillors’ Association
Conservative councillors rarely seek the spotlight.
They are the people on the front line, championing local communities, standing up for residents and delivering practical Conservative leadership where it really matters. They do this against a backdrop of increasing financial pressures, greater public scrutiny and, often, with very little thanks.
No Councillor becomes a councillor for thanks, but across our country there are thousands of Conservative councillors who are making a remarkable difference to the communities they serve.
Last year, the Conservative Councillors’ Association launched the inaugural CCA Local Government Awards to celebrate exactly that. The response was extraordinary. We received nominations from every corner of the country, highlighting councillors whose commitment, energy and dedication embodied the very best of public service.
The awards ceremony at Party Conference demonstrated something many people too often overlook local democracy really matters, and the men and women who serve in local government deserve recognition for the work they do on behalf of residents.
Today, I am delighted to announce that nominations are now open for the 2026 CCA Local Government Awards.
These awards are about recognising excellence in Conservative local government and ensuring that those who work tirelessly for their communities receive the acknowledgement they deserve.
This year’s categories are:
Campaigner of the Year
For the councillor whose determination and commitment to campaigning has made a real impact, whether on the doorstep, through local initiatives, online engagement, or community action.
New Councillor of the Year
For councillors elected since May 2025 who have made an immediate impression and demonstrated outstanding commitment in the early stages of their service.
Lifetime Achievement Award
For a current or former councillor whose years of dedication have left a lasting legacy for both their community and our Party.
Councillor of the Year
For a currently serving councillor who has delivered exceptional results, leadership and service for their community over the past year.
The purpose of these awards is not simply to celebrate individual achievement. They are an opportunity to showcase the enormous contribution Conservative councillors make every day.
So, I have a simple question.
Do you know a Conservative councillor who deserves recognition?
Perhaps it is a councillor who led a successful local campaign. Perhaps it is someone who transformed a service, protected taxpayers’ money, championed a local cause, or has devoted decades of service to their community without ever seeking recognition.
If so, I encourage you to submit a nomination.
Nominations can be submitted online via the CCA Local Government Awards nomination form.
The deadline for nominations is 12 noon on Friday 11th September 2026, so please don’t leave it until the last minute. Whether you are a fellow councillor, an association officer, a local campaigner or a resident who has seen first-hand the difference a Conservative councillor has made, we want to hear your story.
The strongest nominations are often those that tell a story: a story of determination, leadership, innovation, or commitment to public service. We want to hear about the councillors who are making a real difference.
Across the country, Conservative councillors are proving every day that local democracy works best when it is driven by people who care deeply about their communities.
Now is the time to celebrate them.
I look forward to reading about the outstanding councillors who continue to embody the very best of Conservative local government.