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Spectator Parliamentarian of the Year 2024, in pictures

In 2024, no incumbent has been safe. Whether it was the Democrats in America or the Tories in Britain, there has been plenty of drama in every corner of the globe. Here in Westminster, Keir Starmer swept to power – only to discover that governing well is quite a bit harder than some seemed to believe. Rishi Sunak meanwhile has left the political stage, to be replaced by Kemi Badenoch after a mammoth four-month contest.

So in a year of shocks, the only safe seat could be found tonight at The Spectator’s Parliamentarian Awards. The great and the not-so-good of British politics crammed themselves into the opulent splendour of the Old War Office in Whitehall to toast, commiserate and celebrate the memories of this year.

Politicians of every stripe were in attendance this evening, with Wes Streeting and Torcuil Crichton among those present from Sir Keir’s Labour lot. Mr S also spotted the arrivals of James Cleverly, Robert Jenrick and the SNP’s Westminster leader Stephen Flynn, while Reform’s Nigel Farage cut a striking figure in the crowd.

Guest of honour Wes Streeting commenced proceedings with a rather fiery speech:

Robert Jenrick and his wife, Michal Berkner

Kate Andrews, Lara Prendergast and Will Moore
Richard Tice and Isabel Oakeshott
Jess Phillips, Beth Rigby and Wes Streeting
Michael Gove and Wes Streeting
Sir Paul Marshall, Wes Streeting and Katy Balls
Michael Gove
Rachel Johnson and Freddy Gray
Camilla Tominey and Emily Maitlis
Julia Hartley-Brewer and Nigel Farage
Angela Rayner wins Politician of the Year
Stephen Flynn wins Inquisitor of the Year
Pat McFadden wins Campaigner of the Year
Tina Stowell wins Peer of the Year
Robert Jenrick wins Politician to Watch
Rosie Duffield wins Resignation of the Year
Craig Mackinlay wins YouTube Political Moment of the Year
James Cleverly wins Speech of the Year
Josh Simons wins Rising star of the Year
Nigel Farage wins Newcomer of the Year
James Arbuthnot wins Parliamentarian of the Year
Robert Peston, Robert Jenrick and Michal Berkner
Beth Rigby and Angela Rayner
Jo Coburn and Freddie Sayers
Beth Rigby and Rachel Johnson
Robert Peston and Nigel Farage

A full list of the winners can be found below:

Politician of the Year: Angela Rayner 

Inquisitor of the Year: Stephen Flynn

Campaigner of the Year: Pat McFadden

Disruptor of the Year: Ed Davey

Peer of the Year: Tina Stowell 

Politician to Watch: Robert Jenrick

Resignation of the Year: Rosie Duffield

YouTube Political Moment of the Year: Craig Mackinlay

Speech of the Year: James Cleverly

Rising star of the Year: Josh Simons

Newcomer of the Year: Nigel Farage

Leader of the Year: Kemi Badenoch 

Parliamentarian of the Year: James Arbuthnot

Steerpike
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Steerpike

Steerpike is The Spectator's gossip columnist, serving up the latest tittle tattle from Westminster and beyond. Email tips to steerpike@spectator.co.uk or message @MrSteerpike

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