Newcastle City Council has become the first local authority to head up Stonewall’s Top 100 Employers list.

The council has been named the most LGBT inclusive employer in the UK, also receiving special commendation as a top trans-inclusive employer.

Cllr Joyce McCarty, deputy leader of Newcastle City Council, said: ‘I’m incredibly proud that our commitment to inclusivity has been recognised with this accolade, and it is a fantastic achievement for us to be first local authority to be named as Stonewall’s Employer of the Year.

‘But this is really an award for everybody in our city who shows every day that we are all equal and that our great city accepts everyone. Newcastle is a safe and welcoming city and the North East in general does a great deal to champion the LGBT community. We are all eagerly anticipating the fantastic opportunity to demonstrate this by being the host city for UK Pride 2020.'

Nine other local government organisations also made the list, with the Greater London Authority being the second highest performing in sector at 22 . Northumberland County Council was the sector’s highest climber, rising 52 positions to land at 34.

'Newcastle City Council and all of the local government organisations in this year's Top 100 Employer's list are playing a huge role in improving the lives of LGBT people, and should be very proud of their work,’ said Sanjay Sood-Smith, Stonewall’s executive director of workplace & community programmes.