Title

MJ AWARDS

Plymouth named local authority of the year at MJ Achievement Awards

The council took home the top gong at glittering ceremony.

Plymouth City Council pipped fellow contenders to be named Local Authority of the Year at The MJ Achievement Awards this afternoon.

They were among the winners announced at a glittering ceremony at the Hilton Hotel, Park Lane in London.

The judges described Plymouth as ‘a local authority that has put culture-led regeneration at its heart' that was ‘determined to put its city on the map for all the right reasons'.

This year saw hundreds of entries across 17 categories covering everything from social care to digital, and public health to transformation.

Broadcaster and former shadow chancellor Ed Balls was on hand to host the gala dinner attended by more than 800 guests.

Editor of The MJ, Heather Jameson, said: ‘Once again these awards have showcased the hugely important role our local authorities play in their communities and why we need them more than ever in these uncertain times.

‘Our judges had a tough time picking out the winners in each category with the competition particularly strong this year.

‘Congratulations to Plymouth and all this year's winners.'

MJ AWARDS

Councils defy party lines on election delays

By Martin Ford | 15 January 2026

Council leaders have strayed from party lines over proposals to delay local elections.

MJ AWARDS

Digital thinking must drive reorganisation

By Geoff Connell | 14 January 2026

Geoff Connell says digital, data and technology are critical to the effective design of new unitaries and cannot be pieced together as an afterthought.

MJ AWARDS

Recognition for local government in New Year Honours list 2026

By Martin Ford | 02 January 2026

Council chief executives, directors and members have all received recognition from the King in the 2026 New Year Honours list.

MJ AWARDS

Talent seeks a Challenge

By Jack Sanders | 22 December 2025

Jack Sanders sets the stage for the LG Challenge 2026, spotlighting a competition renowned for producing bold, transformative ideas and reaffirms the endurin...

Martin Ford

Popular articles by Martin Ford