Press Association journalist Jonathan Haynes has won the award for the most outstanding result in the NCTJ Public Affairs Part One examination on local government.

The award is sponsored by LG Communications, and Jonathan received his prize from Jayne Surman, chair of LG Communications, during a reception at the NCTJ’s new headquarters in Newport, Essex.

Jonathan with Jayne Surman

Jonathan studied the NCTJ preliminary examinations as part of an MA in print journalism at the University of Sheffield and passed the Public Affairs Part One exam with a distinction and one of the highest exam marks ever recorded.

Speaking at the reception, Jayne stressed the importance of sound local government reporting.

She said: “Our job, as local government communicators, is to ensure that residents have information about and access to the services they require.

“Your job, as journalists, is to tell the stories which are of interest, relevance and importance to your readers, listeners and viewers. Sometimes you will challenge what we say. Sometimes you will test the veracity of our words and question our comments.

“This kind of robust arena is important for the citizen. But the challenge is only valid if it is based on sound knowledge and understanding of the way in which local government works.”