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It is 25 years since The Spectator first began to recognise our better politicians with the annual Parliamentarian of the Year Awards. The inaugural winner of our main prize, the Parliamentarian of the Year award itself, was David Owen. Since then, the roll call of victors has grown to include John Smith, Nigel Lawson, Robin Cook, William Hague, John Major, Tony Blair and even, we must admit, Gordon Brown. The choices made by our judging panel of Westminster cognoscenti may not please all of the people, all of the time — but they are a reliable catalogue of the dominant players in modern British politics. But the Spectator’s judges won’t

Here is a selection of the blogosphere’s reaction to Ed Miliband’s speech. James Forsyth thinks Miliband did what he had to do. Peter Hoskin watches a Janus act from the Leader of the Opposition. David Blackburn sees Red Ed turn into a social conservative. Mary Riddell thinks that Ed’s speech has frozen out David. Tim Montgomerie reflects on a speech of clichés. Michael White praises a good first speech. Janet Daley thinks that Miliband’s ‘optimism’ is a euphemism for statism. And Will Straw has collated Ed Miliband’s world cloud. It spells: ‘New Generation must change country.’

Here is a selection of responses to Clegg’s from across the blogosphere.  Fraser Nelson reflects on Clegg’s bout of political S&M.   James Forsyth hears Clegg talk to party not country.   Peter Hoskin watches Nick Clegg shade the coalition yellow.   Alex Massie describes it as ‘lacklustre’, but reckons the audience may have seen it differently.   Iain Martin says that Clegg looked confident, but the Lib Dems aren’t very sure about this government business.   Nick Robinson reviews a ‘largely defensive speech’ from Nick Clegg.    Comment is Free’s Jackie Ashley and Deborah Orr give their verdict.   And Left Foot Forward condemns Clegg’s conversion to the Thatcher school

Here are some of the posts made on Spectator.co.uk over the past week: Fraser Nelson says that Tony Blair is aiming to become a freelance statesman. James Forsyth highlights the biggest threat to the coalition, and reports on cricket’s dilemma. Peter Hoskin says that Blair wants Labour to be more like the coalition, and argues that Labour needs a Byrne rather than a Balls. David Blackburn outlines Brown’s plan for the future, and watches the education battle open. Ed Howker highlights Blair’s contempt for the left. Susan Hill praises the NHS. Alex Massie gives his take on the Hague affair. Melanie Phillips laments that Londonistan continues to provide British hospitality

…here are some of the posts made on Spectator.co.uk over the bank holiday weekend: Fraser Nelson wonders who governs Britain, and asks whether Labour will boldly go with ‘Red Ed’. Peter Hoskin says that we’re just seeing Same Labour, and watches Alistair Darling exhume Cameron’s Big Mistake. David Blackburn has some bad news for Ken Clarke, and comments on Danny Alexander’s admission about tax cuts. Susan Hill considers love and marriage. Alex Massie gives his take on cricket’s latest betting scandal.

Fraser Nelson has a Coffee House exclusive on Gordon Brown’s public speaking career. James Forsyth reveals what Leon Brittan’s appointment tells use about the state of politics, and highlights Clegg’s dilemma. Peter Hoskin outlines this Parliament’s key dividing line, and previews an important fortnight for Nick Clegg. David Blackburn surveys the coalition’s first hundred days, and watches George Osborne emerge from the shadows. Susan Hill wonders whether to study from home or away. Alex Massie says that Tories need a good Labour party. And the Spectator Arts Blog marks the fifth anniversary of the Billy Elliot musical.

Here are some of the posts made on Spectator.co.uk over the past week: Fraser Nelson says that there is no Cabinet rift on benefit reform. Peter Hoskin uncovers the equality landmines that Labour have left the coalition, and reports on a ranking of post-war prime ministers. Andrew Haldenby begins a series of posts by the think-tank Reform in anticipation of the Spending Review. Susan Hill asks for your advice. Rod Liddle reveals the most irritating politician of the last 50 years. Alex Massie gives his take on the ‘Ground Zero Mosque’. Melanie Phillips wonders who will come out on top in the welfare wrestling match. Faith Based highlights the problem

…here’s a selection of posts made on Spectator.co.uk this week: Fraser Nelson outlines Pakistan’s double game in Afghanistan, and fears another EU power grab. Peter Hoskin watches Nick Clegg confirm his fiscal hawkishness, and argues that David Cameron’s provocative language over Gaza only obscures the issue. David Blackburn argues that there are few smoking guns in the WikiLeaks releases, and notices that David Cameron is not cutting it with India’s media. Rod Liddle wonders whether the Prime Minister understands the ‘Real Islam’. Melanie Phillips gives her take on David Cameron’s speech in Turkey. And the Spectator Arts Blog debates the death of the UK Film council.