A Northern Ireland Conservative activist has scooped the party’s top prize, for members right across the UK. Lloyd Burbidge, from the North Down Conservative Association, was awarded the ‘Outstanding Individual Award’ at the Conservative National Excellence Awards on Monday night.
Lloyd received his honour from Conservative co-chairmen, Baroness Warsi and Lord Feldman of Elstree, at a glittering reception in London. Emma Pidding, chair of the National Conservative Convention which organised the awards, who is also President of the NI Conservatives, was part of the platform party.
Paul Leeman, chairman of the North Down Conservatives, hailed Lloyd’s achievement and praised his contribution to the Association.
“Lloyd deserves this award for all the hard work he has put in over the years and it is also wonderful recognition for Conservatives in North Down”, Paul said. “A year ago we opened up a full-time HQ in Bangor and Lloyd put a huge amount of effort into the project. He cleaned and decorated the premises himself and he and his wife Liz have continued to contribute enormously to its upkeep”.
“The office has been a vital development for Conservatives in Northern Ireland and Lloyd’s part in getting it up and running was invaluable. He’s been a stalwart of this Association for some time, putting an enormous amount of time into campaigning, fundraising and acting as an election agent.”
Northern Ireland Conservatives’ chairman, Irwin Armstrong, also congratulated Lloyd on a remarkable achievement. “This is a national award, which recognises activists right across the UK”, Irwin stressed. “Lloyd’s win demonstrates just how seriously the party nationally values the efforts of Conservatives in Northern Ireland. He thoroughly deserves this accolade.”
Lloyd expressed his delight at receiving the prize. “I was surprised and excited to be nominated, but winning an award surpasses all my expectations. This prize is recognition for the work put in by all the activists in North Down and right across the province. Hopefully it can provide even more impetus for our efforts to offer a common sense, centre-right alternative to voters in Northern Ireland.”