Channel 4 Political Awards in association with the Hansard Society
The Hansard Society was delighted to join Channel 4 for the seventh annual Political Awards. The Awards televised on Monday 14 February, aim to recognise those who have made invaluable contributions to British politics during 2004.
Steve Webb MP won the first Hansard Society Innovation Award for the politician who has made best use of new technology to encourage participation in politics.
The Hansard Society Innovation Award is a new category for Channel 4 Political Awards in association with the Hansard Society. The presentation was made by Rt Hon Lord Holme of Cheltenham, Chair of the Hansard Society, at the awards ceremony to be televised on 14 February.
Clare Ettinghausen, Director of the Hansard Society said:
“The Hansard Society has over 60 years experience working to strengthen parliament by encouraging greater accessibility. We develop innovative ways of using interactive technologies to reconnect Parliament with citizens and encourage participation in the democratic process. Our shortlist of three MPs – Anne Campbell MP, Tim Collins MP and Steve Webb MP – have all contributed to the development of new and exciting ways to connect with their constituents. The final decision was hard, but Steve Webb is the very deserving winner for his innovative use of text messaging and email to gauge his constituents’ opinions on topical issues.”
The winners of the other categories were:
- Politician’s Politician award went to Alan Johnson MP.
- John Bercow MP was announced as Opposition Politician of the Year.
- Geraldine Smith MP as Campaigning Politician of the Year.
- Steve Bell was chosen as Humourist of the Year.
- Baroness Mallalieu was chosen as Peer of the Year.
- An Honourable Deception by Clare Short was nominated as Political Book of the Year.
- Winner of the Channel 4 News award was Boris Johnson
For further information, contact Virginia Gibbons on 020 7395 4010 or 07812 765 552