Oldham Council Leader Cllr Arooj Shah wins national award

These are the only national awards to celebrate the vital work of councillors across England and Wales. The Leader of the Year award is sponsored by Browne Jacobson.

Cllr Shah was recognised for leading an ambitious regeneration agenda in Oldham that is securing returns for residents. The judging panel noted her bold economic recovery plans that have attracted investment, delivered over 1,000 affordable homes, and brought new infrastructure to the area.

Cllr Shah is the first Muslim woman to lead a council in the North of England. She is a lifelong resident of Oldham and has been at the forefront of local politics for more than a decade. Cllr Shah has been Leader of the Council since May 2023, after first serving as Leader from May 2021 to May 2022. She is also the Equalities Lead at Greater Manchester Combined Authority and chairs the Local Government Association's Neighbourhoods Committee.

Cllr Alex Ehmann from Richmond upon Thames Council was this year’s Innovator of the Year. Cllr John-Paul Ennis of Lambeth Council walked away with Young Councillor of the Year. Cllr Fran Oborski from Wyre Forest District Council was awarded Lifetime Legend. Cllr Harry Boparai of Spelthorne Borough Council won the Community Champion Award.

Read more about the winners here.

This year’s competition was extremely tight with over 400 nominations received across five categories that celebrate the wide-ranging work of councillors.

Winners were chosen by a judging panel of senior councillors and leading stakeholders from across the sector.

Jonathan Carr-West, Chief Executive, 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, CCLA said: “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.”