Cllr Darren Rodwell of the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham has been named as Council Leader of the Year in the 2019 Cllr Achievement Awards.
The awards, organised by the LGiU and CCLA, aim to recognise the work and achievements of councillors.
Cllr David Beaney of Dover District Council was awarded Young Councillor of the Year, while Cllr Lord Peter Smith of Wigan Metropolitan Borough Council was given a Lifetime Achievement Award.
Jonathan Carr-West, chief executive of the LGiU, said: 'These councillors deliver in increasingly challenging and hostile times alongside severe budget constraints. And, despite all of that and more, their determination and resolve has left their communities safer, stronger and healthier, thanks to their efforts.
Their work often goes unrecognised and that is why it is so important that we honour them this evening.'