Milton Keynes councillor nominated for national award
A Milton Keynes councillor has been nominated for a national award for her work.
Councillor Shanika Mahendran, who is the cabinet member for planning and pacemaking at Milton Keynes City Council, has been shortlisted for the Young Councillor of the Year title at this year’s Local Government Information Unit councillor awards.
Shanika is the first Asian woman and youngest ever councillor to join the city council’s cabinet, and has been nominated for her work in developing Milton Keynes’s sustainability strategy.
The Young Councillor category is open to councillors under 30, and rcognises individuals who are making a big impact early in their political career.
Shanika, who has been a member of Milton Keynes City Council for three years, will find out whether she has been successful on Tuesday November 18 when the winners are announced at a ceremony in London.
The awards, which are now in their 16th year, received more than 400 nominations across five categories - Community Champion, Leader of the Year, Young Councillor of the Year, Innovator of the Year and Lifetime Legend.
Chief executive of the Local Government Information Unit Jonathan Carr-West said: "Our annual councillor awards demonstrate the best of local government.
"With more than 400 nominations, competition was extremely tight, with inspiring stories of councillors up and down the country going the extra mile to improve their local area.
"Councillors are at the heart of local democracy, working tirelessly to support their communities and drive change.
"These awards are about celebrating the often unseen but hugely important contribution councillors make every day.
"This year’s shortlist is a testament to the dedication, creativity and leadership shown by councillors across the country.
"Congratulations to all the councillors nominated and shortlisted and I look forward to announcing the winners in November.”