AddThis SmartLayers

Ex-Local Democracy Reporter of the Year quits to join TV chef’s campaign

Leigh BA past winner of Local Democracy Reporter of the Year is leaving his role to work for an organisation co-founded by TV chef Jamie Oliver.

Leigh Boobyer has announced his departure after covering Gloucestershire under the BBC-funded scheme for three years.

He is leaving to become communications manager at Bite Back 2030, which campaigns to help young people eat healthily.

Leigh, pictured, has been based at the Gloucestershire Live newsroom and won Local Democracy Reporter of the Year at the Local Democracy Reporting Service conference in 2019.

Last year he also won a Special News Award for his coverage of the Covid-19 crisis for an investigation which revealed a postcode neighbouring Cheltenham racecourse had the highest number of coronavirus hospital admissions in Gloucestershire, following the course’s annual horse racing festival.

Announcing his departure on Friday via Twitter, Leigh said: “After three years, I have decided to leave my role as local democracy reporter for Gloucestershire.

“It has been a real pleasure covering the county, shedding light on big stories of local and national importance which I can safely say I will look back on fondly.

“But I am looking forward to a fresh challenge. So I am going to work for Bite Back 2030, an organisation co-founded by Jamie Oliver set up to halve childhood obesity by 2030, and be its communications manager.

“My last day isn’t for a few weeks, so I am still about.”

A replacement for Leigh is currently being sought.