The Leader of West Lothian Council Lawrence Fitzpatrick has been shortlisted for a 2021 Local Government Information Unit (LGIU) Scotland and CCLA Cllr Award in the category Leader of the Year.
He joins the leaders of one of Scotland's largest council, and one of the country's smallest local authorities on the shortlist.
The UK's only ceremony which celebrates councillors has unveiled this year's candidates.
Councillor Fitzpatrick is nominated for Leader of the Year, which celebrates councillors who have gone “above and beyond their statutory role”.
The panel of judges are looking to reward someone who “successfully led the council towards achieving its vision” with “priorities that meet the needs and preferences of the community”.
The nomination process allowed anyone, including members of the public, councillors and council officers to put candidates forward.
Senior councillors, officers and stakeholders will decide the winners of each category, which include Champion for Education, Community Champion, Lifetime Contribution, New Councillor of the Year, Resilience and Recovery and Leader of the Year.
The CCLA is a specialist fund manager for local authorities and charities. The LGIU is a local authority membership organisation. Members are councils and other organisations with an interest in local government from across England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland and Australia.
Councillor Fitzpatrick is one of three Scots council leaders nominated. The others are Cllr Susan Aitken, the leader of Glasgow City Council and Cllr James Stockan of Orkney Islands Council.
