Knowsley MBC has been named Local Authority of the Year in The MJ's coveted annual awards.

The northern met won the prized title at a glittering gala celebration attended by more than 1,000 guests and hosted by TV presenter Anita Rani.

The panel of nine judges said Knowsley was ‘visibly making a difference to the area it serves' and were highly impressed by the council's ‘political and officer leadership which has successfully invested to grow its tax base as a platform to investing in services, staff, and community.'

Also celebrating at The MJ Achievement Awards 2024 gala event in London's Westminster Park Plaza Hotel was Breckland Council's Maxine O'Mahoney who was named Chief Executive of the Year.

Judges said: ‘She has led on innovative place leadership that has taken the authority beyond its normal boundaries.'

Corporate Director of the Year went to Manchester City Council's Bernie Enright, while The Rising Star category was won by Liz Atherton of Stockport MBC.

A special award for Outstanding Contribution to Local Government was presented to Rob Whiteman, former chief executive of Barking & Dagenham LBC and more recently of the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy.

Heather Jameson, editor of The MJ, said: ‘We are delighted to recognise the brilliant work of teams and individuals across local government and thank all those who entered. A big thanks as well goes to our judges and our sponsors.' 

There were winners in 20 categories in this year's awards.

Local Authority of the Year: Knowsley MBC

Chief Executive of the Year: Maxine O'Mahoney, Breckland Council

A Whole Council Approach to Tackling Health Inequalities: Hounslow LBC

Best Council Services Team: Stoke-on-Trent City Council

Best Transport Decarbonisation Project: Hounslow LBC

Care and Health Integration: City of Wolverhampton Council

Community Engagement: Jonathan Henderson, Antrim and Newtownabbey BC

Corporate Director of the Year: Bernie Enright, Manchester City Council

Delivering Better Outcomes: Haringey LBC

Digital Transformation: Dumfries and Galloway Council

Innovation in Building Diversity and Inclusion: Essex CC/ECL

Innovation in Children and Adults' Services: Oxfordshire CC

Innovation in Delivering Sustainability and Social Value: North London Waste Authority

Innovation in Housing: North Tyneside MBC

Innovation in Partnerships: Shropshire Council/River Severn Partnership

Leadership in Responding to the Climate Emergency: Calderdale MBC

Rising Star: Liz Atherton, Stockport MBC

Senior Leadership Team of the Year: Stockport MBC

Transforming Lives: Wirral MBC

Workforce Optimisation: Hackney LBC