A campaign encouraging the greater representation of women, ethnic minorities and young people in local politics has been shortlisted for a prestigious Excellence award from the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR).

London Councils' be a councillor campaign has been shortlisted for the Integrated Campaigns award which is presented to the best campaign that uses various communications techniques including marketing, advertising and public relations to achieve its goals.

be a councillor used a variety of methods alongside its media campaign to raise the profile of councillors and local government. The campaign's website (www.beacouncillor.org.uk) has seen more than 10,800 unique web visits, while the dedicated helpline for candidates received more than 150 enquiries within the first seven days alone.

The campaign has also had a wider reach than initially anticipated. Due to its success in the capital, be a councillor is being rolled out nationally and has even played a part in developing the storyline in EastEnders in which Peggy Mitchell stands for election as a councillor.