RICHMOND’S ALEXANDER EHMANN NAMED INNOVATOR OF THE YEAR AT NATIONAL COUNCILLOR AWARDS
Councillor Alexander Ehmann of the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames has been named Innovator of the Year at the 16th annual LGIU & CCLA Councillor Awards, held last night at London’s Guildhall. The national ceremony, which is the only one of its kind to recognise the work of councillors across England and Wales, drew more than 400 nominations this year—making it one of the most competitive editions to date.
Ehmann secured the award for his approach to transforming Richmond’s transport and air-quality strategy, with judges highlighting his focus on resident-led design and long-term planning. Central to his recognition was his leadership in shaping the council’s Richmond 2040 transport plan, alongside his role in pioneering a new entry-treatment model for school streets—an innovation now being adopted across other London boroughs.
First elected in 2014 to represent St Margaret’s and North Twickenham, Ehmann has held several senior roles within the Liberal Democrat administration, serving as Transport and Air Quality Cabinet Member/Chair since 2018 and as Deputy Leader of the Council from 2018 to 2022. He also sits as Vice-Chair of London Councils’ Transport and Environment Committee and is a member of the Local Government Association’s Neighbourhoods Policy Committee.
Other major awards of the evening included Leader of the Year, won by Cllr Arooj Shah of Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council. Cllr Harry Boparai of Spelthorne Borough Council received the Community Champion Award, while Cllr Fran Oborski of Wyre Forest District Council was honoured with the Lifetime Legend Award. Cllr John-Paul Ennis of Lambeth Council was named Young Councillor of the Year.
The judging panel—made up of senior councillors and sector leaders—praised the breadth of work showcased across the nominations, which ranged from community-driven initiatives to major innovations in public services. The awards are supported by founding partner CCLA, a major investor in local authorities and public-service organisations.
Jonathan Carr-West, Chief Executive of the Local Government Information Unit (LGIU), said: “Councillors work tirelessly to support their communities and drive change. These awards are about celebrating the often unseen but hugely important contribution councillors make every day. This year’s winners are a real testament to the dedication, creativity and leadership shown by councillors across England and Wales.”
Lee Jagger, Local Government Relationship Manager at CCLA, added: “Councillors sit at the heart of our communities, and these awards are a chance to spotlight the meaningful, real-world difference they deliver every day. Their dedication improves lives in countless, practical ways. At a time when councils are navigating extraordinary pressures, the Cllr Awards are a powerful reminder of just how essential our councillors and councils are.”
