Anti-war campaigners high in 2005 Political Awards shortlist
Most of the shortlists for the 2005 Channel 4 and Hansard Society Political Awards have now been confirmed – with opposition and anti-war campaigners featuring in most categories.
The annual awards are one of the most high profile political award ceremonies in the calendar as – with the exception of the Channel 4 viewers’ award – all are voted for by peers, MPs and other professional politicians.
The annual awards ceremony will be held in the New Year.
Last year’s winners included Robin Cook, Sir Menzies Campbell and Ann Clywd, with the late Professor David Kelly taking the viewer’s award for the most important contribution to British politics in 2003.
Only one Government member is on this year’s nomination shortlist – that is the Work and Pensions Secretary Alan Johnson – in the category of ‘politicians’ politician’. He will compete with left-wing Labour backbencher Alice Mahon, leader of the Scottish Nationalists Alex Salmond, and leader of the Democrat Union Party Ian Paisley.
Nominees for the ‘opposition politician of the year’ are the Liberal Democrats’ treasury spokesman Vince Cable, Conservative Shadow Home Secretary David Davis and Conservative backbencher John Bercow – who left the Conservative frontbench in September.
Of the nominees for ‘campaigning politician of the year’ the most high profile is Plaid Cymru MP Adam Price – who has led the campaign to impeach Tony Blair over his statements to Parliament in the lead up to the war in Iraq.
Commenting on Mr Price’s shortlisting, Plaid Cymru’s parliamentary leader Elfyn Llwyd, said: “This is a fitting tribute to Adam’s tireless work in holding the Prime Minister to account for misleading Parliament and the public over the Iraq war and I am delighted he is being recognised.”
Also nominated is the former Minister for Sport Kate Hoey – one of only five Labour MPs to vote against a ban on fox hunting in March – and Labour backbencher Geraldine Smith.
The shortlist for the Hansard Society’s award is not yet confirmed – nor is the Channel 4 News award, which will be voted on by viewers.
Other categories include:
Political Book of the Year
The Blairs and their Court – Francis Beckett and David Hencke
Apes of Wrath – Steve Bell
Gordon Brown – Tom Bower
You Are Here – Rory Bremner, John Bird and John Fortune
William Pitt the Younger – William Hague
Diaries 1980-2001 – Giles Radice
An Honourable Deception – Clare Short
Political Humorist of the Year
Steve Bell
Brookes
The Now Show
Peer of the Year
Lord Cope
Lord Grocott
Baroness Mallalieu
Baroness Williams
