The Threadneedle/Spectator Parliamentarian of the Year Awards

Last Thursday the 24th annual Threadneedle/Spectator Parliamentarian of the Year lunch was held in front of a roomful of the great and good at Claridges, and — this being the first ever live ‘vodcast’ award ceremony — in front of thousands of web-watchers worldwide as well. Matthew d’Ancona, editor of The Spectator, welcomed the Rt Hon John Reid MP to present the awards, saying: ‘As Home Secretary, he showed that the spirit of The Sweeney is not dead, metaphorically hurling substandard officials on to the bonnet of his Cortina, investing the words “not fit for purpose” with new and chilling meaning.’

NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR

Nick Clegg MP

This former journalist, Eurocrat, MEP and cross-party pin-up has achieved ascendancy in his party with prodigious speed. There were those who thought he should have stood for the leadership in the last contest, but Clegg knew there’d be another one along in a minute, and he is now the runaway favourite to succeed Ming Campbell.