Fraser Nelson Fraser Nelson

Spectator Parliamentarian of the Year 2015: the winners

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. Her Equalities Act set the terms of debate that the Tories still follow. She helped encourage a generation of young women politicians, on all benches, even though she did end up handing over to someone older and even posher.

3. Backbencher of the year – Natascha Engel

She was the chairman of the Backbench Business Committee, which sets the debates and keeps the Commons lively. She has manfully resisted attempts by the Speaker to influence it. She has recently become a Deputy Speaker, presiding over the House with grace and with her native Prussian efficiency.

4. Insurgent of the year – Ruth Davidson

For the first time in years, voting Tory is something you can actually admit to in polite Scottish company – and that’s due in no small part to our winner. Even she wasn’t a Tory until ten years ago.

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