Glasgow Southside councillor Soryia Siddique is honoured to win Champion for Education award

Dr Siddique, Labour councillor for Glasgow City Council’s Southside Central ward, received the Champion for Education award.

The awards are organised by LGIU Scotland and CCLA, and are the only national awards to celebrate the vital contributions of councillors.

Last night’s award ceremony was held online due to the ongoing Covid-19 situation.

Dr Siddique said: “I want to thank LGIU Scotland and CCLA for finding imaginative ways for the award ceremony to go ahead despite the pandemic.

“I want to thank my constituents, Glasgow communities, children, young people and families for contacting me with issues that matter to them, ranging from free school meals, placement requests, women in STEM, SQA results, equality, diversity and putting their faith in me. It is an honour to serve.”

The award winners were decided by a panel of judges composed of senior councillors and leading stakeholders from across the sector.

Competition was especially tight this year with over 100 nominations received, a record for the awards.

Jonathan Carr-West, LGIU Scotland chief executive, said: “These councillors showcase the best of local government, those who have gone above and beyond to serve their communities during a hugely challenging 2020.

“Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic we have turned to local government to bring us the place-specific leadership and support for which they are renowned and they have once again delivered.

“The winners are all outstanding examples of a councillor’s commitment to their communities – a commitment that has especially shone through this year.

“Being closest to the people, councillors are vital to ensuring that communities can thrive during periods of hardship.”

Heather Lamont, director of client investments at CCLA, added: “We are proud to be the founding partner of the Cllr Awards. Working together with LGIU Scotland for the third year running, we always look forward to taking the opportunity to recognise and honour those leading across local government.

“This year has given the Awards new meaning. Local government has stepped up to the plate to deliver for communities across the country this year and we are honoured to stand alongside them.

“Life as a councillor can be extremely rewarding – being at the forefront of positive community change. But of course, it’s also extremely hard work, particularly in the current context.

“The hard work done by councillors and council leaders behind the scenes to negotiate the best outcomes for their communities often never reaches the public eye, which is why we think it’s invaluable to set aside an evening each year to celebrate those achievements.”