Last Friday saw one of the highlights of the year for us here at The MJ – it was the chance to celebrate the very best in local government at The MJ Achievement Awards.

Each year, we have the privilege of gathering the sector together to say a small thank you to those who dedicate their lives to public services. And while our judges and sponsors chose the very best as our worthy winners, the reality is that everyone who was shortlisted deserves recognition for their achievements.

This year, Barnsley MBC took the coveted title of Local Authority of The Year. Announcing the winner, our fabulous presenter, newsreader Huw Edwards, told our glitzy gala event: ‘Having emerged from an industrial past that has left a generational legacy, this winning council has utterly transformed every aspect of its place.

‘Its sheer determination to create a place of possibilities has engendered community pride, opportunity and hope.

‘It is a story of success with further chapters to be written which can inspire others to do even more and is a worthy winner of The MJ Local Authority of the Year award.'

As the council later tweeted, it is a remarkable achievement that is ‘a testament to the hard work of our employees'

Cornwall Council chief executive Kate Kennally was named Chief Executive of the Year – a truly worthy winner. Judges of the award said Kate's leadership was ‘outstanding and passionate'.

Huw told our audience Kate has ‘a relentless passion for communities and a positive energy which spreads like gold dust and is the epitome of leadership'.

But perhaps the most special moment of the awards this year goes to The MJ's Outstanding Contribution to Local Government Award winner, Lord Bob Kerslake – even though he couldn't make the big day himself.

Bob, whose career has spanned local, regional and central Government – as well as numerous boards, charities and now the House of Lords – has been a tireless cheerleader for the sector. He has defended local government at the highest levels of the civil service and Government.

He is currently undergoing treatment for cancer, so we asked Manchester City Council chief executive Joanne Roney – his former colleague at Sheffield City Council – to read out a speech Bob wrote for the occasion.

He told the audience: ‘Local government has always been my first passion.'

But, never one to miss the opportunity to rally the sector, he added: ‘Local government has made considerable progress in recent years, despite austerity and the uncertain progress to greater devolution – but it needs to go much further.

‘Whoever wins the next election, local government will have a job on its hands to persuade the incoming Government of the importance of local government and the need for greater devolution. I hope to play my part in that campaign.

‘Alongside this, we need to advance equality, diversity and inclusion at all levels if we are to be truly representative of the community we serve.'

It is an honour to be able to recognise the very best of local government. I would like to thank all of our sponsors, the panels of independent judges and The MJ team for all their efforts in making it possible.

I would also like to congratulate all the winners and shortlisted entrants to the awards – in reality, you are all winners.

And, on behalf of the sector, I would like to send a huge thank you for your tireless work to Lord Bob Kerslake – there will always be the opportunity for you to rally the sector in the pages of The MJ.

To see all the winners, visit our dedicated website awards.themj.co.uk