Councillor nominated for community champion award

The leader of Caerphilly County Borough Council’s Independent group has been nominated for a community champion award.

Blackwood ward councillor Kevin Etheridge has been shortlisted for the Local Government Information Unit (LGIU) and Churches, Charities and Local Authorities (CCLA) 2021 Councillor Awards.

Cllr Etheridge said: “I am very pleased that the residents have nominated me for this UK-wide award, as they will always come first.

“I always try my best regardless of political colours and the people must come first.”

There were more than 400 nominations from across Wales and England for the awards.

Cllr Etheridge is the only Welsh councillor up for the Community Champion award.

Jonathan Carr-West, Chief Executive of LGIU, said: “We were overwhelmed by powerful stories and experiences coming through.”

In May 2021, Cllr Etheridge stood as a candidate for Islwyn in the 2021 Senedd Elections and achieved the highest Independent vote in Wales.

The 2021 Councillor Awards ceremony will be held in Camden, London, on Wednesday, December 1. The ceremony will also be broadcast live on YouTube.

The winners will be decided by a panel of judges, which will include senior councillors and officers.

Mr Carr-West added: “This year’s Councillor Awards shortlist showcases the best of local government. During a time when they have experienced unprecedented challenges and pressure, these councillors are true champions for local government and their communities.”