New Lib Dem Leader awards Southwark Lib Dems 'Council Group of the Year' (Southwark Liberal Democrats)

Southwark Liberal Democrats <info@southwark-libdems.org.uk>

New Lib Dem Leader awards Southwark Lib Dems 'Council Group of the Year'

March 9, 2006 3:39 PM

Menzies Campbell presents Council Group of the Year 2006 to Councillor Richard Thomas, Councillor James Gurling and Simon Hughes MP

New Liberal Democrat leader, Sir Menzies Campbell MP, has presented Southwark Liberal Democrat councillors with the prestigious Local Government Association Lib Dem Council Group of the Year award.

At the Party's spring conference in Harrogate councillors Richard Thomas and James Gurling received the award on behalf of the Group for its excellent and innovative work across all aspects of local government.

Councillor Thomas accepted the award in honour of Councillor Stephen Flannery, a member of the group who recently passed away.

Southwark Liberal Democrats fought off tough competition from council groups across England and Wales (including those in administration and in opposition) to win the award. It was also highly commended in the area of 'Tackling Anti-Social Behaviour' for their introduction of the highly successful community wardens.

Presenting the award, Sir Menzies said: "This award is richly deserved. Southwark Liberal Democrats have taken a fresh approach to services in Southwark - giving power back to local people whilst making high quality services and improving the environment real priorities."

Commenting, Councillor Thomas, Liberal Democrat Executive Member for Environment and Transport, said: "I am delighted that we are being recognised by the Local Government Association for turning round an officially weak council. By providing real political leadership we are creating a can-do attitude with innovative ideas that have a real impact in making Southwark cleaner, greener and safer. I look forward to our new leader Sir Menzies coming to visit Southwark so we can show him at first hand the good work we are doing."