The Local Government Association’s (LGA) Independent Group, which is for all elected local councillors outside of the three main national political parties, recently held their annual conference.

During the conference, several awards were given to councillors from across England and Wales, including their most prestigious, the Clarence Barrett Award, presented in memory of our dearly missed former Upminster and Cranham Residents’ Association colleague.

Clarence is certainly not being forgotten. His work and engagement with the LGA led to the Independent Group establishing the Clarence Barrett Award in 2019. Clarence had been the Groups Treasurer and had also been a key member of the Resources Board and other areas of work over a number of years.

The award recognises those councillors who go above and beyond in their work, to contribute something significant to local government and residents. The Leader of the LGA Independent Group said “We miss Clarence. He was a remarkable man doing so much for his community, for his two Councils, one as an employee and Finance Director and one as a leading elected councillor, as well as making a significant contribution to national influence with the LGA. He supported Councillors through a clear understanding of Local Government Finance and gave detail to support our calls for better funding for our Councils. Clarence was very well liked and respected by our staff and councillors alike.”

This year’s Clarence Barrett award was given to Independent Cllr Julian German, the Leader of Cornwall Council, who sits on the LGA’s Culture, Tourism and Sport Board and County Councils Network. Julian and Clarence did a lot of work together at the LGA and he was especially touched to receive the award, as Clarence was an inspiration to him.

By Editor on 14th December 2020   /   News   /   Leave a comment