Sheffield Labour politician shortlisted for ‘Young Councillor of the Year’
A Sheffield councillor from the Labour group has been shortlisted in the 2024 LGIU and CCLA annual awards.
Sheffield Labour’s Coun Minesh Parekh could be crowned as “Young Councillor of the Year” after an “extremely tight” race at this year’s Local Government Information Unit (LGIU) and Churches, Charities and Local Authorities (CCLA) councillor awards.
A press release sent to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) highlighted that Coun Parekh “has had a considerable impact since his election in 2022”, especially around climate and renewable energy as well as projects to deliver economic development across the city.
Coun Parekh was, as mentioned, first elected in 2022 and his term runs out in 2026.
Over the last two and a half years as a councillor, Coun Parekh was known for his “straight talking approach”, whether it’s on the war in Gaza, the racist riots or inadequate council funding.
He used to work for Labour’s shadow climate minister and Sheffield Hallam’s MP Olivia Blake.
Coun Parekh told the LDRS: “I’m really pleased to have been shortlisted as Young Councillor of the Year.
“It’s so important to me that we address the under-representation of young people in local and national government so that issues we care about – like the climate crisis, bad landlords, house-building, and workers’ rights and pay – get the priority they deserve.
“It’s lovely to be nominated, and I will continue to push on issues of social, economic, and climate justice.”
Winners in England & Wales will be announced on November 20 at the Guildhall in London.