The Spectator’s 32nd Parliamentarian of the Year awards, sponsored by Benenden, took place at the Savoy Hotel this afternoon. Here are the winners – and a few extracts from my speech. The awards were presented by Alex Salmond. The winners’ speeches, and my spiel, are below:
1. Speech of the year – Johnny Mercer
Our winner is a former serviceman – and, briefly, a male model – whose maiden speech was theatrical, magisterial and moving. ‘A great stain falls upon our nation,’ he said, ‘when more soldiers take their own lives than die in action.’ Our winner completed three tours of Afghanistan, now serving his first tour of duty for the Tories.
2. Lifetime achievement – Harriet Harman
When the Labour party collapses, as it is prone to do, she has been there to pick up the pieces. Sacked in 1998, she then clawed her way back up to the top, acting as deputy leader of her party for seven tumultuous years.
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