Two members of Cornwall Council – including the youngest councillor sitting in the chamber – have made the shortlist for the 'best councillors in the land'.

Louis Gardner and Jordan Rowse, who are both members of the ruling Conservative group, have been shortlisted in the 2024 annual Cllr Awards, in the community champion and young councillor of the year categories respectively. Competition was extremely tight with more than 350 nominations received across five categories that celebrate the wide-ranging work of councillors.

The awards, which are run and sponsored by LGIU (Local Government Information Unit) and CCLA (a specialist fund manager for local authorities and charities), state that Cllr Gardner has distinguished himself as a champion of the Armed Forces community, “tirelessly advocating for policies and programmes that support veterans and their families. In his nomination, Cllr Gardner was praised for his support for veterans”.

The awards say that Cllr Rowse “excels at uniting colleagues and communities to drive change. His nomination cited his inspiring approach. He also led a hugely successful scrutiny review that the Centre for Governance and Scrutiny now uses as a case study”.

Neither councillor knows who nominated them, though Cllr Gardner, who represents Newquay Central and Pentire, believes he was nominated on behalf of a number of veterans organisations from across Cornwall. He is up against councillors from Liverpool City Council, City of Wolverhampton Council, East Hampshire District Council and Breckland Council.

He said: “Being nominated in the Community Champion category of the LGIU Awards is a tremendous honour for me. It acknowledges the hard work and dedication I’ve put into supporting the veterans community, a cause that is close to my heart.

“I have worked to ensure that veterans are not forgotten, helping them to navigate the often-challenging transition to civilian life, access essential council services, and feel connected to their communities. This nomination feels like a validation of those efforts, recognising not only the progress we’ve made in Cornwall but also the importance of advocating for those who have served our country.

“To me, this nomination represents the power of community and the impact we can have when we come together to support one another. It is not just about me, it’s about every veteran I’ve worked with, every volunteer who has contributed, and the ongoing journey to ensure veterans receive the recognition and support they deserve.”

Cllr Rowse, who is aged 27, and represents St Austell Bethel and Holmbush, faces competition from members of City of Wolverhampton, Brent, Cardiff and Sheffield councils. He said: “It is a surprise but an honour to be a finalist for UK Young Councillor of the Year. You don’t do it for the recognition or the plaudits – but for the service to your community. However, to be recognised and shortlisted for this award is a proud moment. I have no idea who nominated me, but I am grateful.

“I’ve been vice-chairman of Cornwall Council for nearly four years, a councillor for nearly eight, and a parish and town councillor for almost a decade. I absolutely love being a councillor – representing almost 6,000 residents and doing my very best to improve our town St Austell, but also be a strong voice for Cornwall.

“I feel privileged to be a councillor and that local residents have put their trust in me on numerous occasions. The demographic of our elected politicians in Cornwall is changing, for the better, but we still have a long way to go. I was elected as Cornwall’s youngest ever councillor, but eight years on I am still the youngest councillor. It is so important to have a broad church of politicians so we can truly represent everyone in every corner of Cornwall.

“There are significant challenges facing local authorities but it needs strong, bold and compassionate councillors who are at the heart how they make decisions. This nomination and shortlisting doesn’t change anything – I will still work tirelessly for the residents I represent in St Austell and be a voice for our children and young people across Cornwall.”

Winners will be announced at the Guildhall in London on Wednesday, November 20.