Patsy Calton Award Winner!

12.19.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 18th Sep 2008

The winner of the Patsy Calton Award 2008 is Cllr Mrs Lesley Scott-Boutell of Colchester. In second place was June Hemsley of Wolverhampton and in third place Eileen McCartin of Paisley South. WLD sends many congratulations to all three. The award was presented to Lesley by Simon Hughes, President of the Liberal Democrats, at the Party Conference in Bournemouth.

Lesley Scott-Boutell is a member of Colchester Borough Council and all her colleagues agree that she is an excellent ward councillor and case-worker. She has focussed particularly on youth work, transport and issues to do with disability. She is herself deaf, and feels that this creates a bond of empathy with residents, both able-bodied and those with disabilities. Like Patsy Calton herself, Lesley has recently had to battle with cancer, but has not allowed this to prevent her from continuing with her work. She is a single mother, and believes passionately that it is possible to combine public service with being a good parent. Her 14 year old daughter Jessica watched Lesley receive her award.

June Hemsley is described as a 'linchpin' of Liberal Democracy in Wolverhampton, having worked with 'unfailing dedication and enthusiasm' as a party activist there for over forty years. Eileen McCartin has just celebrated 20 years as a Councillor in Paisley South and also does a tremendous amount for her local Party, both by her own hard work and her skill in motivating others.

Similar stories were told about all the women nominated for the Patsy Calton award, and could be told about many others up and down the country. Watch out for the call for nominations in 2009!