We need your vote: Please help the Gazette win prize for best local newspaper campaign
How the Gazette broke the story that has been shortlisted for best local newspaper campaign - Credit: Archant
This time last year the Gazette published a front page exclusive reporting on shocking revelations about an ex-mayor of Islington’s past links to pro-paedophile groups.
The Gazette keeps up the pressure on the town hall a month later - Credit: Archant
Our hard-hitting articles immediately resulted in Islington Council setting up a new independent review to explore the evidence and whether a previous inquiry into child abuse had been called into question.
Now the Gazette’s coverage has been shortlisted as one of the past year’s best local newspaper campaigns.
The Making A Difference Award is designed to highlight the power of local newspaper campaigning and the 26-strong shortlist are all said to have delivered meaningful changes to their communities.
The winner will be chosen by a public vote – and we are asking readers to get behind the Gazette and place your vote for our campaign.
Ex-mayor Sandy Marks, pictured in Islington two years ago ahead of winning a mayor's civic award - Credit: Archant
Editor Ramzy Alwakeel said: “This story was one that we simply could not ignore and we are proud our sustained reporting has resulted in a new inquiry that will hopefully bring yet more information to light about this dark chapter in Islington’s history.
“Investigative and campaigning journalism has the power to hold power to account and seek justice for those who have no voice.
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“We continue to call for justice and answers for the children who endured horrific abuse under Islington’s care in the 1980s and 1990s.”
The Gazette’s campaign revealed historic links between ex-mayor Sandy Marks and a pro-paedophile group. She went on to lead the social services committee at a time when allegations of child abuse and institutional neglect were exposed at Islington Council in 1995.
Survivors of abuse in Islington’s children’s homes said they were sickened and called for answers – and justice for the horrors they suffered. The independent review is due to report back later this year.
To see the full shortlist and vote for the Gazette, visit localnewspaperweek.co.uk/Making-a-Difference
The vote goes live today and the winner is announced at the Regional Press Awards on Friday (May 18).
