Rising Star

Stockport MBC

Luke Green

Luke Green is a brilliant officer who is committed to making a difference to the people of Stockport. When RAAC made headlines and two schools were forced to close, he activated a plan to get children back to learning within a few days. He has also led a successful levelling up bid, securing £20million into the borough. His project to refurbish the main council offices is not only award winning but has increased colleague satisfaction. It’s not just what Luke does in his day-to-day work – it’s how he lives and breathes our council values and leads by example. 

Greater London Authority

Peter Kemp

I am a driven public servant, who brings their neurodiversity and lived experience as a motivator for driving and improving public services. Having come into leadership through planning and legal services, I have experience of working both at a strategic level as well as working through the issues that are important to residents. I now lead industry leading data programmes that unlock data, enabling increased housing and infrastructure provision for Londoners. My commitment to fairness and equity runs through everything I do, bringing people with me to make change to my workplace and industry. 

Surrey CC

Sam Marshall

Sam's sustained contribution, innovative work, resilience, and comprehensive understanding of local government dynamics make him an exemplary candidate for this award. His achievements not only reflect his current capabilities but also his potential to be a future leader in local government.

Sandwell MBC

Emily Jayne Morgan

Emily, a member of the School Improvement and Public Health team, leads on several key areas including Personal Development and RSHE, Mental Health and Wellbeing, and Poverty Proofing. She has developed strategic and operational support to Sandwell MBC, Sandwell schools, and to colleagues regionally and nationally. She works collaboratively with an extensive number of partners, including co-chairing networks, and commissioned services whilst also undertaking a Masters’ degree funded through an apprenticeship.

St Helens BC

Ben Murray

From leading on the set up and development of 38 warm-space hubs, to playing a pivotal role in increasing food provision for residents, Ben Murray really is St Helens Council’s rising star. Using his research and data analysis skills, together with creativity and tenacity, he helped secure £50,000 worth of funding to improve food provision for those most in need in the borough. And with his strong interpersonal skills and likable nature he has helped to strengthen the relationships between the council and partners within the community and voluntary sector. We’re sure Ben has a great career in public service.

Kensington and Chelsea RBC

Molly Pritchard

Molly Pritchard, the Council’s Social Investment Lead, has demonstrated innovation and outstanding resilience, spearheading initiatives to rethink how council assets and resources could be leveraged for the greater wellbeing of residents. Molly’s visionary leadership has not only shaped the Social Investment Strategy but has also left an indelible mark on the community. Participation in panel discussions showcases Molly’s proactive approach to knowledge sharing within the sector. Molly remains passionate about supporting colleagues at the early stages of their careers, chairing the Council’s Early Careers Network and providing a platform for learning and growth for all.

Monmouthshire CC

Paul Sullivan

Paul is a rising star and has demonstrated his innovation, leadership and impact in his work for Monmouthshire County Council. He has delivered demonstrable change and positive outcomes for the council and the community and has shown his ability to network and share knowledge at all levels and many disciplines. He is a valuable asset for the council, who he has worked for since the age of 16, and a role model for his peers and colleagues. We have no doubt that Paul will continue to progress, putting our communities and residents at the heart of his work.

Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole Council

Martin Whitchurch

Martin has stepped up into the role of Strategic Lead for Greenspace from a Greenspace Project Officer bringing significant progress and innovation towards protecting and enhancing our greenspace and biodiversity assets across Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole for future generations. Martin’s unwavering passion, ease at asking difficult questions, natural flare to engage and excite all, coupled with his drive to deliver ambitious and positive sustainable change across our greenspaces for communities and the ecology they vitally serve, shines through evidenced through some of the activity detailed in this application. A true Rising Star within Local Government who deserves much recognition.

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