Staffordshire councillor set to receive recognition in awards after over 30 years of service to county and district

A Staffordshire county councillor  has been shortlisted a lifetime award at a ceremony which recognises the contributions of councillors towards the community they serve.

Councillor David Stratford-Smith - also a former leader of Lichfield District Council (LDC) - is in the running for a Lifetime Legend award at the Local Government Information Unit (LGIU) and Association of Charitable Foundations (CCLA) awards.

The Lifetime Legend award recognises those councillors who, over many years of public service, have made a lasting and transformative difference to their communities. More than 400 nominations across five categories were received in the overall awards.

 Councillor Smith has dedicated 34 years to public service as a councillor on  both the district and county council.

As leader of LDC he delivered a wide range of projects including the new regionally important Garrick Theatre, a retirement village, a leisure centre and facilitating the planning for the National Memorial Arboretum and the Combined Services Medical Centre

 He also served as chairman of the West Midlands Regional Assembly leading several trade delegations into Europe. 

Additionally, he served on several national government committees and the Criminal Justice Council.

Jonathan Carr-West, chief executive of the LGIU 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."

 Winners in the England and Wales awards will be announced on Tuesday at the Guildhall in London.