A regional journalist lost out to national competition in an award celebrating investigative journalism.

The guardian’s David Conn has been awarded the 2023 Private Eye Paul Foot Award for his investigation uncovered how Tory peer Baroness Mone and her three adult children had been secretly paid £29m from the profits from PPE contracts.

Carlisle News & Star chief reporter Phil Coleman was among this year’s entrants to make the final shortlist of six.

Phil was nominated after exclusively obtaining police bodycam footage that revealed how officers had attacked and tasered a Cumbrian man in the midst of a mental health crisis, contradicting the police account of the incident.

David, pictured with Private Eye editor Ian Hislop, received his award on Tuesday.

Chair of judges Pádraig Reidy said: “With so many brilliant stories this year, it was a pleasure to be reminded of the great work done by reporters across the UK.

“David Conn’s winning investigation stood out for its detail, care and impact – and serves as a reminder that perseverance is one of the most important qualities a reporter can have.”