Help us choose a winner - The Churchill Awards

I would like to nominate Alan Johnson. Although I think he is only 64 so may not count

Thinking further, another name is Baroness Rosalind Howells. She is a member of the House of Lords, but is a working peer and has done wonderful work in race relations and many other fields.

How about Ann Clwyd?

Very good suggestion, Cagsy, I second that!

She's had a remarkable career, tackled many of the issues raised on GN, and is about to stand again in the next election at the age of 77.

Thanks Ana

John Humphrys! He's still going. And he keeps the politicians on their toes.

I didn't recognise the name Ann Clwyd but having Googled her I think she's a good choice.

It would please the Welsh. And the Labour supporters.

What exactly has she done in the last twelve months that is so marvellous? Or at any time previous to that?

What's John Humphrys done that's so marvellous?

I like him! Brings a bit of life to politics. [tsoe]

Ann Clwyd was against the bedroom tax of course. That would go down well with GNHQ.

Wonder what she thinks about the state of Iraq now.

Betty Boothroyd? I thought she was an amazing Speaker

She was, of course, but:
"The awards recognise specific achievements made by individuals in the last 12 months."

"A Blaze of Autumn Sunshine", Tony Ben's last diaries were published on 24th October 2013. I believe that to be less than a year ago.
He was still giving speeches less than a year ago.
Barbara Castle once said she would always vote for him in a leadership election because he inspired people. I agree with her. I am sure his son would be willing to accept an award on his behalf if he won.

Gillybob, there are many people who get posthumous awards in all walks of life. Why not here?

True. So long as they were at least four-fifths alive within living memory.

There can be no better choice than MiceElf's Efua Dorkenoo. How can there be? Has anyone actually read the article I linked to? Any young African girl could accept the award on her behalf.

And it's a non party-political choice.

The Churchill Awards - somehow seems a bit misleading to me.

I know it's the company's name but they are property developers.

Oh, it's just an advert really. Selling retirement homes. Expect that's why GN was chosen.

Human rights activists, esteemed politicians, etc., are too important to be given an 'award' by a property developer!

Count me in for Tony Benn. Principled, a role model if ever there was one

How about Sir David Attenborough?

He has spoken out repeatedly against the rising political clout of the Creationist movement in the USA, and climate change naysayers throughout the world.

www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/02/11/sir-david-attenborough-enough-with-the-creationists-and-climate-change-deniers.html

Another vote for Tony Benn here. When asked what he would like his epitaph to be his reply was 'he encouraged us'. A geat man, a great politician and a great human being who reached out to people of all creeds, colours and ages; but, above all, he was a champion of the underdog.

Ann Clwyd, for putting forward female genital mutilation in a private members bill. For speaking out against neglect in the NHS , even when grief stricken she had the courage to speak in the house of her husbands death. Her fight for women's rights and equality, and the first woman to be selected in the South Wales Valleys, that I assure you makes her a remarkable woman

Tony Benn was the first person that I thought of but then I remembered Barbara Castle, strong, determined and a great role model for older women.

If I had to pick someone alive it would be Anne Power from my Mancheater Growing Old Disgracefully group. Anne is an active member of the Green party and won the Guardian/Observer Local Hero award in their environmental awards this year. She is in her 80s and went every day to the recent anti-fracking protests at Barton Moss.
I'm a long time Labour supporter and one time activist but I've now joined the Green Party as they are the only ones who actually have plans for a truly fair society.

Having read the first part of Alan Johnson's auto biography I'd agree he's a good candidate but Ann Clwyd would be a great choice.