Event Description

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:

The Judges for the awards were: