Threadneedle Spectator Parliamentarian of the Year Awards 2011
Politicians from four political parties were honoured at The Spectator Threadneedle Parliamentarian of the Year awards at Claridge's last Wednesday 16 November 2011.
Rt Hon Nick Clegg MP presented Rt Hon Baroness Williams of Crosby PC with Parliamentarian of the Year Award for her role in forcing the coalition to change tack on NHS reform.
Rt Hon Michael Gove MP was awarded Minister of the Year for the success of his school reform agenda and his recovery from the travails of last year.
Rt Hon Alex Salmond MSP was named Politician of the Year, for his achievement in winning an overall majority in the Scottish Parliament and seeing off the leaders of the other three main political parties in Scotland.
Adam Holloway MP was awarded Backbencher of the
Year for his principled decision to return to the back benches
rather than vote against a referendum on Britain's membership of
the European Union.
Stella Creasy MP was awarded Campaigner of the
Year for her work in fighting loan sharks.
In total 12 awards were presented by guest of honour, Deputy Prime
Minister Rt Hon Nick Clegg MP. The awards are hosted by The
Spectator magazine and sponsored by Threadneedle
Investments.
Fraser Nelson, Editor of the Spectator, said: 'Parliament has sprung back to life this year, being the scene not only of rebellion but original ideas and stirring speeches. The Spectator Threadneedle Parliamentarian Awards honour parliament's most independent-minded MPs, its most effective orators and its most accomplished escape artists. Our winner, Shirley Williams, embodies the comeback in both houses of parliament. Whatever your views of the Health Bill, there is something wonderful about the entire British government being halted in its tracks by an 81-year-old peer who decided to pick a fight. Thanks to her, no one in the Department of Health will describe parliament as a "rubber stamp" for some time to come.'
Campbell Fleming, head of distribution at Threadneedle Investments said: '2011 has been an extraordinary year and a challenging one for politicians on all fronts. Threadneedle is pleased to support The Spectator in presenting the pre-eminent awards in British political life. We congratulate all of the winners.'
The award winners were:
| Category | Winner |
| Newcomer of the Year | Dominic Raab MP |
| Select Committee Chairman of the Year | Andrew Tyrie MP |
| Campaigner of the Year | Dr Stella Creasy MP |
| Inquisitor of the Year | John Whittingdale OBE MP on behalf of the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee |
| Backbencher of the Year | Adam Holloway MP |
| Double Act of the Year | The Rt Hon Kenneth Clarke QC MP & The Rt Hon Theresa May MP |
| Speech of the Year | Charles Walker MP |
| Survivor of the Year | The Rt Hon Chris Huhne MP |
| Readers' Representative of the Year | Philip Davies MP |
| Minister of the Year | The Rt Hon Michael Gove MP |
| Politician of the Year | The Rt Hon Alex Salmond MSP |
| Parliamentarian of the Year | The Rt Hon Baroness Williams of Crosby PC |
The Judges for the awards were:
| Andrew Neil, Chairman | Press Holdings Media Group |
| Fraser Nelson, Editor | The Spectator |
| James Forsyth, Political Editor | The Spectator |
| Andrew Gimson, Parliamentary Sketch Writer | The Daily Telegraph |
| Patrick Hennessy, Political Editor | The Sunday Telegraph |
| Simon Hoggart, Political Sketch Writer | The Guardian |
| Martin Ivens, Political Columnist | The Sunday Times |
| Trevor Kavanagh, Associate Editor | The Sun |
| Andrew Rawnsley, Political Commentator | The Observer |
| Rachel Sylvester, Political Columnist | The Times |
| Carolyn Quinn, Chair | Parliamentary Press Gallery |
| Ann Treneman, Sketch Writer | The Times |
| Ann McElvoy, Executive Editor | The Evening Standard |
Sarah Arkle - Vice Chairman, Threadneedle Investments; Fraser Nelson - Editor, Spectator; Nick Clegg MP - Deputy Prime Minister; Andrew Neil - Chairman, Press Holdings Ltd.
The Rt Hon Kenneth Clarke QC MP and The Rt Hon Theresa May MP are awarded Double Act of the Year.
Nick Clegg MP - Deputy Prime Minister.
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