Peninsula councillors have added their tributes to Nick Ridley who was who last night won the 2020 Lifetime Achievement Award (in memoriam).

The LGIU and CCLA announced that Cllr Nick Ridley OBE of Babergh District Council had been given the accolade at the annual Councillor Awards with Cllr John Ward (Leader of Babergh Council) accepting the award on Cllr Ridley's behalf.

Cllr Ridley was honoured for his grace and compassion in public service, which shone through in his deeply impressive nomination after dedicating so many years to his role in local government, at a virtual Awards ceremony.

Cllr Ridley, who has a relation in Freston, was a long serving Conservative councillor for Babergh, with Wherstead one of the parishes he served, in the previous administration.

Jane Gould, Babergh councillor for Orwell ward, which she won in 2019 after seeing off a challenge by Cllr Ridley.

She said: "I only had the pleasure of meeting Nick once and that was the occasion when the votes were being counted for the District Council elections of 2019.

"I stood against Nick in Orwell Ward which is a group of six villages on the Shotley peninsula; he and I stood together by the ward table and enjoyed each other's' company, we had music in common as well as our shared interest in working for the common good of the residents in Orwell Ward.

"He was very gracious and kind and offered me wise words as a newly elected councillor for which I was, and still am, very grateful. He will be missed."

Alastair McCraw, Brantham ward member, and chair of Babergh's overview and scrutiny committee, added: "Nick was a 'wise old owl' for members of the Council, supportive of new members in committee or council.

"We didn't always agree, but he was easy to both like and respect and he was the very definition of a public servant.

"St Elisabeth Hospice, of which he was a founder, is just one of so many things that he was instrumental in making happen. And he is missed."

Derek Davis, Ganges ward, served on the Babergh cabinet and the planning committee with Cllr Ridley.

"Nick was chairman of planning and he took a little while to weigh us all up," said Cllr Davis. "Once he did he was extremely helpful to me. He was wisdom personified, calm, compassionate and knew how to get his point across without ever getting cross.

"I learnt a lot from him and this accolade is truly fitting."

Cllr Ward said "I was so pleased that Nick won the Lifetime Achievement Award. This is a wonderful accolade to a man that dedicated so many years of faithful and committed service to the people of Suffolk. He will always be remembered as one of Suffolk finest sons.

"He was passionate about the county and Babergh. It is also testament to the legacy that he leaves behind, and I consider it to privilege to have served alongside him and to have learnt so much from him. He will be missed."

For the 11th year running, these awards have showcased the best of local government.

At a time when the country faces one of the greatest hardships of our lifetime, now, more than ever, we need to honour these unsung heroes of local government who are working tirelessly to keep the country afloat during the pandemic.

The winners were decided by a panel of judges composed of senior councillors and officers as well as leading stakeholders from across the sector. Competition was especially tight again this year with over 200 nominations received, a record amount for the awards.

Jonathan Carr-West, Chief Executive, LGIU said: "We are incredibly proud to unveil the winners of the 2020 Cllr Awards this evening.

These councillors showcase the best of local government, those who have gone above and beyond to serve their communities during a hugely challenging 2020.

"Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic we have turned to local government to bring us the place-specific leadership and support for which they are renowned and they have once again delivered.

The winners are all outstanding examples of a councillor's commitment to their communities – a commitment that has especially shone through this year. Being closest to the people, councillors are vital to ensuring that communities can thrive during periods of hardship. Thank you all for your service this year."

Kelly Watson, Relationship Manager for Local Government, CCLA, said: "We are proud to be the founding partner of the Cllr Awards. Working together with LGIU for the 11th year running, we always look forward to taking the opportunity to recognise and honour those leading across local government.

"This year has given the Awards new meaning. Local government has stepped up to the plate to deliver for communities across the country this year and we are honoured to stand alongside them.

"Life as a councillor can be extremely rewarding – being at the forefront of positive community change. But of course, it's also extremely hard work, particularly in the current context.

"The hard work done by councillors and council leaders behind the scenes to negotiate the best outcomes for their communities often never reaches the public eye. Which is why we think it's invaluable to set aside an evening each year to celebrate those achievements."