The deadline for submitting nominations for the Local and Regional Liberal Politicians Awards, LeaDeRs, organised by the ALDE Group in the EU’s Committee of the Regions has been extended until 10 October, to allow members of those parties in Europe (such as the Lib Dems) who have been tied up with party conferences, or in other cases, election campaigns.
Open to Liberal Democrats from across Europe, nominations have so far been received for work carried out by local councillors from Germany, Italy, Ireland, Hungary, Estonia, and Latvia. Others from France and Spain are on their way.
Previous winners include Paul Scriven, Leader of Sheffield City Council (2008-2011), for Achievement in Government at Local Level, awarded in 2010. This year’s awards ceremony will be held on 4 December in Brussels.
Both the national board of ALDE member parties as well as their local party branches can submit nominations of persons who are considered to be suitable candidates for such an award, accompanied by a brief reasoning and relevant supporting documents. Nominations must reach the ALDE-CoR secretariat by 10 October 2013 and can be sent by email.
There are 2 categories of awards:
· Local Leader of the Year
· Regional Leader of the Year
Each of these will have 4 different awards (ie, total of 8 awards):
1. Achievement in Government
2. Achievement in Opposition
3. Most effective party engagement with citizens
4. Most effective EU ambassador
A jury composed of key European liberal democrats experienced in local, regional and European affairs will select the winners. Nomination forms can be downloaded by clicking here. To submit nominations or for more information about these awards, please contact: Tuuli Reissaar at aldeleaders@cor.europa.eu or +32 2 282 2582.
* Sean O'Curneen is Secretary General of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe in the Committee of the Regions, the EU's Assembly of Regional and Local Elected Representatives.