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Saturday 22 November 2008

The winners of the political year

This is the text of the remarks that Matthew d’Ancona, editor of The Spectator, delivered at the Spectator Threadneedle Parliamentarian of the Year awards lunch at Claridge’s Hotel.

Very much in the voluntary category, and smooth as sgian dubh passing through butter was our Guest of Honour’s elegant decision to stand down as Home Secretary. But – much as the judges liked his style – they felt it would be tricky for him to give the award to himself.

There was in any case another resignation which, as exits go, rivalled the final season of the Sopranos.

And there was so much of it: from a school playground, to last year’s Labour conference, on to Trimdon Labour club, back to a special party conference in June and then the final farewell in the Commons on June 27.

The judges felt that the former PM’s Blarewell tour was vindicated by its magnificent final performance in the Commons where all the participants rose to the occasion: other party leaders delivered warm tributes, and the man himself struck just the right note of lightness.

"This morning I had meetings with ministerial colleagues and others,” he said, in traditional fashion. “In addition to my duties in the house, I will have no such further meetings today - or any other day."

His concluding words were - "I wish everyone, friend or foe, well and that is that, the end." And – friend or foe – the Commons gave him a standing ovation.

Our resignation of the year is awarded to the Rt Hon Tony Blair.

MINISTER TO WATCH

In this category, we were sorely tempted by the frequently photo-shopped Culture Secretary James Purnell, who could be watched or not watched: according to taste. Now you see him now you don’t.

The judges’ discussion in this category was partly semantic. Did the phrase “to watch” imply the likelihood of future glory – or did it mean “minister to keep under heavy surveillance”.

Happily, our winner ticks both boxes.

Already a rising star in his party since his election as an MP in 2004, he made his name and caught the eye of Tony Blair after the last election with some sharp analysis showing how the next election will be won and lost in Labour marginals.

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