Young Wolverhampton councillor wins award

Councillor Beverley Momenabadi scooped the prize at the Local Government Information Unit (LGIU) Councillor Awards which were held virtually.

The 29-year-old is a Labour councillor for Ettinghsall Ward and is also the council’s digital innovation champion.

She was declared young councillor of the year after judges concluded she had “achieved more in her two years as a councillor than most people do in a lifetime.”

They praised projects she has been involved in including Howell Road Allotments which was featured on BBC News, as well as her volunteering and all-round support of the Excel Church Food Bank during the pandemic.

The young councillor of year category aims to recognise local politicians under the age of 30 making a big difference in their local communities.

Councillor Ian Brookfield, leader of Wolverhampton Council, said: "I'm delighted that Councillor Momenabadi's work in her ward and the wider city has been recognised nationally by the LGIU.

“It's richly deserved and is a tribute to the 'above and beyond' work Beverley has done in Ettingshall to support her local community - especially during the covid pandemic. She's also our digital champion and is working hard to make Wolverhampton one of the most digitally inclusive cities in the UK.”

Councillor Momenabadi said: “It's a privilege and an honour to serve the community of Ettingshall and the city of Wolverhampton, one which I never take for granted.

“Covid-19 has been extremely hard for many families, there have been job losses, bereavements and it’s been tough for many local people.

“I’d like to thank everyone that nominated me, I was up against some tough competition across the country so it’s truly an honour to have won.

“Out of darkness, cometh light - our city motto has never been more relevant. Like many cities, we’ve been hit hard by the pandemic, but we will reset, recover and relight the city of Wolverhampton."