The MJ's Local Authority of the Year has been announced at a gala ceremony this afternoon.
Stockport MBC took home the most coveted award of the day, presented by actress and comedian Sally Phillips.
Judges praised the Greater Manchester authority's ‘standout' submission for its ‘clarity of purpose and impact' and a ‘commitment to people-centred progress'.
They added: ‘The "OneStockport" ethos shone through bold investment, strong service delivery and genuine co-production.'
The hotly-contested category of Chief Executive of the Year was won by Rotherham MBC's Sharon Kemp and a special award for Outstanding Contribution to Local Government went to Pat Ritchie.
More than 800 guests attended this year's prizegiving ceremony at the Westminster Park Plaza Hotel in London.
Editor of The MJ, Heather Jameson, said: ‘We have had a fabulous day, celebrating the extraordinary achievements of local government across up and down the country.
‘Congratulations to all our winners – and finalists – and a huge thank you to our judges and sponsors.'
This year's worthy winners across the 19 categories were:
Local Authority of the Year: Stockport MBC
Chief Executive of the Year: Sharon Kemp, Rotherham MBC
Best Council Services Team: Derby City Council
Best Transport Decarbonisation Project: Hackney LBC
Community Engagement: Nottinghamshire CC
Delivering Better Outcomes: Telford & Wrekin Council
Digital Transformation: West London Alliance
Innovation in Building Diversity and Inclusion: Central Bedfordshire Council
Innovation in Children and Adults' Services: Haringey LBC
Innovation in Delivering Sustainability and Social Value: Hounslow LBC
Innovation in Housing: Dumfries and Galloway Council
Outstanding Contribution to Local Government: Pat Ritchie
Innovation in Public Private Partnerships: North Northamptonshire Council
Innovation in Reducing Health Inequalities: Haringey LBC
Leadership in Responding to the Climate Emergency: Lancaster City Council
Rising Star: Alexandra Brown, Burnley BC
Senior Leadership Team of the Year: Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council
Transforming Lives: North Lanarkshire Council
Workforce Optimisation: Cornwall Council
