Barnsley MBC has taken the coveted title of Local Authority of the Year at The MJ Achievement Awards.
The Yorkshire council took home the top prize in a tough field this year at a ceremony attended by more than 1,000 people and hosted by BBC News' broadcasting star Huw Edwards.
Also celebrating at London’s Westminster Park Plaza Hotel was Cornwall Council after Kate Kennally was named Chief Executive of the Year while Lizzie Todd, of Sefton MBC, was awarded the prize for Rising Star of 2023.
Editor of The MJ and awards co-host Heather Jameson said: ‘Congratulations to Barnsley and all our winners.
'It has been a fantastic day and it is an absolute privilege to celebrate the best of the sector.
‘While we have highlighted the best there is an entire army of public service workers, delivering extraordinary services, often in challenging circumstances – so thank you to all of them.
‘I also want to say a huge thank you to everyone involved in the awards - all the entrants, judges and sponsors.’
A special award for Outstanding Contribution to Local Government was also presented by The MJ to Sir Bob Kerslake.
Sir Bob was chief executive at Hounslow LBC and Sheffield City Council before becoming permanent secretary for the then-Department for Communities and Local Government.
Sir Bob was unable to collect the award in person so Manchester City Council chief executive Joanne Roney, who worked with him at Sheffield, accepted it on his behalf.
Ms Jameson added: ‘It was an absolute honour to recognise the work of Sir Bob Kerslake in our Outstanding Contribution to Local Government award.
‘He has been a tireless cheerleader for the sector and has achieved so much.’
