Help us choose a winner - The Churchill Awards

Cari did, on Monday. Posthumous nominations are allowed.

I do think GNHQ should have got back to us as to whether posthumous nominations are acceptable, although it's rather late in the day now...

I'm still going with Ann Clwyd, despite not being either a Labour supporter or Welsh!

What's up with you jingle? You do not normally write that many sentences in one post.
I think we are allowed to suggest whoever we want. Tony Benn wrote a lovely book, Letters to my Grandchildren, and this year I gave a copy to my eldest two granddaughters, and have kept copies to give to the other two when they are old enough to ask questions.
His book is subtitled Thoughts on the Future. I do not think that is backward looking, narrow thinking and selfish. Perhaps you ought to read it.

Very powerful post Jingle you will draw many of us on-side with that one.

I don't know how this nomination process works. Does it go by the number of GN's who post in favour of each candidate or will HQ draw up a list of all nominations and then we will vote?

To nominate a past-their-prime politician simply because they were in accordance with your own political views, or because you feel they are/were a politician most likely to improve the welfare of people of your own standing, would be backward looking, narrow thinking, and selfish.

We are first and foremost on this forum, grandparents. We should be looking ahead to the future welfare and safety of all young people. We should be embracing all sections of our society. To nominate Efanu Dorkenoo would show that that is upmost in our minds.

Where are all the posters who seemed to care so strongly about getting rid of fgm? I don't understand why you are not posting for this woman be GN's nomination. Surely it wasn't just words was it?

If you disagree with this, then come up with someone else in the field of child protection. Because that is what grandparents care about more than anything else.

Once again I am educated by GN. So ashamed to admit I had never heard of Efua Dorkenoo until today. Having googled her, she looks like just the sort of person who should be nominated; non self seeking, non party political. What a great shame it would be a posthumous award.

Got to be Efua Dorkenoo

I remember the fight against the abhorrent practice of fgm was a subject near to the heart of a certain, now sadly deceased, poster. I wonder who she would have voted for.

True, Jingle. Efua is not nearly as well known as she should be and it is particularly poignant that she died on the day that this thread was posted. Anyone who hasn't read the link which Jingle posted up thread please do so.

Still away darling. Best wishes from Madrid. x

Good weekend away, jingl?

So where the fuck are you all?

It only has to be within the political arena. Human rights comes into that category. So - Efua Dorkenoo Efua Dorkenoo Efua Dorkenoo

Non political party-ish. And anyone who has contributed to the fgm threads on GN should be standing up and hollering for her!

If the person nominated has to be/have been directly involved in politics, I would nominate Tony Benn.

What about Ken Loach? Although he is a film maker, his films have a marked political dimension which, whether people agree with his views or not, certainly arouse interest and encourage debate. From "Cathy Come Home", televised in 1966, to his recent "Spirit of '45", at the age of 78 he continues to demonstrate his commitment to showing the lives of ordinary people.

Ian Lavery? Coming from Ashington I bet he plays a mean game of football as well !

I'd like to second Geminijen's nomination of Margo McDonald - a truly inspirational woman, who rose from a very ordinary background to be a major, much respected campaigner for many less popular issues e.g. regulating prostitution and euthanasia, besides independence. If we are not allowed to nominate posthumously then I would give the award to her widower Jim Sillars, who took up her mantle and campaigned tirelessly throughout the referendum campaign from his 'Margo Mobile', and on platforms and television, working through his obvious grief, as a voice of reasonableness, presenting himself as a retired politician and concerned Grandad. Jim Sillars would be a worthy recipient in his own right.

Ian Lavery as the new Skinner? He's an ex miner from Ashington, and one of the awkward squad alongside Skinner.

....and it would be fun to find out what he would, in fact, do with it . Are there any up and coming Dennis Skinners in politics these days, I wonder .

I agree, Tegan, but it would be good for him to know he had been appreciated and nominated by a load of old codgers!

The only problem with Dennis Skinner is that I can't help but feel he's not in the slightest bit interested in getting awards. Not that Tony Benn would have been either, but he can't do anything about it now.

I was thinking William Hague as he Chaired the conference on End Sexual Violence in Conflict with Angelina Jolie but again he is too young.
see www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/sexual-violence-in-conflict

For me, it has to be Denis Skinner. He has served his constituency without stint and still does. He is a true, honest, community serving politician, completely committed to a fair and egalitarian ideal. He was not besmirched by the financial scandals and inglorious affairs of many well-known members of Parliament. Courageous and forthright, whilst still remaining a true gentleman. There are so few politicians of this level of integrity left. Long may he rattle David Cameron's bars!

Mrso, I'm with you on Dennis Skinner if Tony Benn is not allowed.

How many nominations are you allowed, Cari, and who votes in the end?