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Help us choose a winner - Churchill Awards

(40 Posts)
CariGransnet (GNHQ) Mon 23-Oct-17 10:48:55

This year, once again, we are asking gransnetters to nominate a political figure for these awards. Your shortlist will be discussed by the judges (including Esther Rantzen, Lawrie McMenemy, Jacqueline Wilson (and me!)) and a winner announced at a ceremony early next year.

Ann Clwyd was chosen as the winner in 2014, Harriet Harman in 2015, and Baroness Sally Greengross in 2016. This year, once again, we would love to receive your nominations - ideally within the next couple of days.

The awards scheme - run by leading retirement developer, Churchill Retirement Living - is designed to honour the work of the UK’s over 65s and celebrates the significant role older people have to play in British society.

You can nominate anyone you like who has made a significant contribution in the political field (they absolutely don't have to be an MP). The two criteria to bear in mind are:

- Nominees must be 65 or over
- The awards recognise specific achievements made by individuals in the last 12 months

Looking forward to your nominations and suggestions - many thanks

durhamjen Tue 24-Oct-17 15:57:15

How can you nominate a political figure without going into politics? Just wondering.

durhamjen Tue 24-Oct-17 15:55:52

Like I said, Moocow, I do like Vince Cable, and he has at least got some economic qualifications, PHD, I think.
Good for the age criterion, too, as he's the oldest elected party leader since Churchill, I think.

He should also be commended for trying to stop Murdoch taking over BSkyB, a cross party effort, this year.

CariGransnet (GNHQ) Tue 24-Oct-17 15:47:40

lemongrove no, the age criteria is nothing to do with the fact it's Gransnet. It comes from Churchill and is particularly relevant to what they do (retirement property) but it is also a chance to recognise the contribution that those over the official age of retirement continue to make in fields from literature to politics and beyond.

Many thanks for all your nominations - those that fit the bill on age/nationality will be sent over to the judging panel for their consideration very shortly

Moocow Tue 24-Oct-17 13:34:45

It wasn't for a party leader but don't want to start a political discussion thread. If only for that reason then, that he hails from York! I was trying hard to throw another name into the pot. Won't go into politics here but thought another name was needed to help us think.

durhamjen Tue 24-Oct-17 11:48:09

The problem is, Moocow, that he became leader by default, because nobody stood against him. May did that, too, and we know how that turned out.

I do like him, though. He was born in York like my eldest grandson.
I would vote for him if he hadn't privatised Royal Mail, and given export licences to sell arms to Saudi Arabia when he was in coalition. Probably a few other reasons, too, but those will do for now.

Still Corbyn for me.

Anniebach Tue 24-Oct-17 11:29:20

But the vote isn't for a party leader Moocow, I agree with on Vince Cable though

Moocow Tue 24-Oct-17 10:55:59

Vince Cable the only sensible UK party leader at present who finally became Lib Dem Leader this year.

Anniebach Mon 23-Oct-17 20:52:30

Google them

durhamjen Mon 23-Oct-17 20:51:33

What achievements in the last 12 months for either of them?

Anniebach Mon 23-Oct-17 20:45:08

I nominate Joan Bakewell and Margaret Beckett.

Bakewell for being so active in her mid eighties Labour Party baroness and strong supporter of women's rights,

Margaret Beckett , longest serving PM, totally dedicated to the Labour Party , was first female foreign secretary and so loyal to the party, has accepted promotion, demotion, from different leaders and always with dignity, no whinging , party first

Anniebach Mon 23-Oct-17 20:35:06

Are we allowed several nominations ?

lemongrove Mon 23-Oct-17 20:28:30

Grenfell has never been out of the public eye.

durhamjen Mon 23-Oct-17 20:26:40

Michael Mansfield, for trying to keep Grenfell in the public eye, and standing up for survivors.

Anniebach Mon 23-Oct-17 20:04:14

I agree Lemon, there is no one that age I admire

lemongrove Mon 23-Oct-17 19:58:18

The Labour MP Sarah Champion ( late forties, fifty?) deserves an honour for her work in Rotheram, I cannot think of anyone who has done anything worthwhile in politics who fits all the criteria for the award.Why the age criteria anyway, just because it’s Gransnet?

Anniebach Mon 23-Oct-17 17:25:00

Can't think of anyone of that age, previous winners have done much for women's causes , I can only think of women younger and I want to nominate a woman again.

midgey Mon 23-Oct-17 17:09:49

Lady Trumpington

Luckygirl Mon 23-Oct-17 16:52:42

Jeremy Corbyn - for all the reasons stated above.

lemongrove Mon 23-Oct-17 16:46:06

I would like to nominate Sarah Champion....but she fails the age test.

lemongrove Mon 23-Oct-17 16:44:28

It may have to be Corbyn or Harman......who else is old enough? ?
It seems the previous winners were all women.

CariGransnet (GNHQ) Mon 23-Oct-17 16:16:30

We present the judges with a short-list of the names on the thread and then they make the decision after discussing it further. So it's all down to whoever chooses to nominate here until the final judging session

mcem Mon 23-Oct-17 16:00:48

Does GNHQ have to take the most-named nominee as our choice or can GNHQ 'exercise discretion'? (Overrule the majority as we've recently seen happen).
If enough of us choose Corbyn that might ruffle a few feathers!

CariGransnet (GNHQ) Mon 23-Oct-17 15:04:51

Just to clarify - they must be either British or working/have worked in Britain

Ilovecheese Mon 23-Oct-17 12:47:52

Jeremy Corbyn for increasing the number of Labour MPs, and inspiring young people to take an interest in politics, increasing the membership the Labour party, and providing a real alternative to to the Conservative Party.

bookworm55 Mon 23-Oct-17 12:25:12

I just checked. Harriet Harman is the longest-ever continuously-serving female MP in the House of Commons so I think the cotinuously part may have caused confusion