Councillor Alexander Ehmann, Richmond's cabinet member for Transport and Air Quality, has won Innovator of the Year at the 16th annual LGIU & CCLA Councillor Awards held at London's Guildhall.

The judges recognised Cllr Ehmann for work that has raised the profile of transport and air quality issues across the borough, placing residents at the centre of design decisions.

In particular they highlighted his leadership on the council's Richmond 2040 transport strategy and the development of a new entry treatment for school streets, an approach now being adopted by other London boroughs.

Cllr Ehmann, who represents St Margaret's and North Twickenham and has served as the Liberal Democrat administration's Transport and Air Quality Chair since 2018, said the award belonged to the wider community.

"I love this borough, and nothing makes me prouder than having helped to highlight what fantastic changes we've been able to make with our community," he told Nub News.

The 2025 LGIU & CCLA Councillor Awards winners (credit: Image supplied).

"The award is something that I want to share with the many councillors and officers who have helped turn good ideas into great realities.

"It also needs saying that without the bedrock of support from the brilliant residents of St Margarets and North Twickenham, none of this would have been possible. Thank you!"

Winners at this year's ceremony included Cllr Arooj Shah (Leader of the Year), Cllr Harry Boparai (Community Champion) and others across five categories.

More than 400 nominations were considered by a judging panel of senior councillors and sector figures.

Jonathan Carr-West, Chief Executive of the Local Government Information Unit (LGIU), said the awards "celebrate the often unseen but hugely important contribution councillors make every day."

Lee Jagger from CCLA added that the competition highlights "the meaningful, real-world difference" councillors deliver in their communities, especially during challenging times for local government.

Cllr Gareth Roberts, Leader of Richmond Council, added: "This award is a testament to Councillor Ehmann's determination to deliver real, practical improvements for people across our borough.  

"His work, alongside specialist officers, is helping to create a cleaner, safer and more accessible Richmond – and it's no surprise to see it recognised on the national stage." 

READ MORE: Twickenham's Allianz Stadium to host first-ever Nations Championship Finals Weekend in 2026.

We want to provide Twickenham with more and more clickbait-free local news. To do that, we need a loyal newsletter following. Help us survive and sign up for our free weekly newsletter by clicking the link HERE.