ONE OF Reading’s former mayors has received a national award celebrating the work of councillors in the UK.
Tony Page was awarded the Lifetime Legend accolade at this year’s LGiU and CCLA Councillor Awards, less than a year after stepping down as mayor of Reading.
The LGIU is an independent, not-for-profit membership organisation which works to make local democracy around the world stronger through collaboration with local government, academic institutions, and third-sector organisations.
Its annual awards, now in their 15th year, saw members and former members of local government recognised for their work at a ceremony in London’s Guildhall.
Among them was Tony Page, who spent 50 years as a councillor for Abbey Ward, Reading,
The judging panel noted his meticulous attention to serving residents alongside his impressive leadership in transport and planning at local, regional and national levels. He was instrumental in creating the busiest council-owned bus service outside London and had an indefatigable drive to shape the infrastructure that would deliver a vibrant economic future for Reading.
Mr Page spent his final year as a councillor in the town acting as mayor after being first elected at the age of 19 in 1973, and is understood to be the first openly gay mayor of Reading.
The judging panel noted his meticulous attention to serving residents alongside his leadership in transport and planning at local, regional, and national levels.
He was described as being instrumental in creating the busiest council-owned bus service outside of London and having an indefatigable drive to shape the infrastructure that would deliver a vibrant economic future for Reading.
Cllr Liam Robinson, of Liverpool City Council, won Leader of the Year, while Cllr Amanda De Ryk, of Lewisham Council, was awarded Innovator of the Year.
Cllr Chris Burden from the City of Wolverhampton Council won Young Councillor of the Year.
The Community Champion award went to Cllr Rahima Farah, of Liverpool City Council, and an Exceptional Community Leadership Award from this year’s judges was given to Cllr Marion Atkinson, Leader of Sefton Council.
Jonathan Carr-West, Chief Executive, Local Government Information Unit (LGIU) said:
“Councillors across England and Wales do incredible work day in and day out to support their communities, make local areas better places to live, and ensure the voices of residents are heard across council decision making.
At LGIU, we are determined to celebrate these remarkable achievements, which genuinely improve residents’ lives and the well-being of our communities. I want to congratulate all of our very worthy Cllr Awards winners this evening. Their dedication and service represent the very best of local government.”
Kelly Watson, Head of Public Sector Relationships, CCLA said: “Local councillors are at the heart of communities and nights like this are an opportunity to showcase the contributions and real world impact made by these unsung heroes striving for a better world.
“The work undertaken by councillors positively impacts people’s lives in countless ways.
“As councils are facing unprecedented challenging times, these awards remind us of how important and vital the work of local councillors and councils is.”
More information about the LgiU and the awards is available via: lgiu.org
