As Westminster empties for the Christmas recess, the Guardian has delivered its annual, tongue-in-cheek Parliamentarian of the Year awards, casting a wry eye over a tumultuous 2025 in British politics.
Investigation and Tax Troubles Take Centre Stage
The Eliot Ness Investigation Award was jointly claimed by Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Chancellor Rachel Reeves. This followed a Downing Street aide briefing journalists that senior Labour figures were mounting a leadership challenge against Starmer. The Prime Minister then announced an inquiry into why an authorised media contact had done precisely what they were asked to do.
Meanwhile, Chancellor Reeves launched her own probe into her decision to U-turn on an income tax rise in her November budget. The award highlights the internal party tensions and curious definitions of 'briefings' versus 'leaks' that have characterised the year.
The clear victor for the HMRC Self-Assessment Award was former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner. The accolade noted her purchase of a flat in Hove, where complicated stamp duty issues arose from her disabled son's trust fund. Rather than seek expert advice, Rayner reportedly consulted an acquaintance met in a pub who thought it 'would probably be OK'.
Later in the year, Rayner's reported attempt to recoup tax liabilities by joining 'I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!' was thwarted. Producers allegedly declined her application on the grounds she was a genuine celebrity, while the show prefers C-listers.
Resignation Demands and Toadying Triumphs
In a break from tradition, the Resignation of the Year prize went to someone demanding resignations rather than offering one. Kemi Badenoch, emboldened by stronger performances at PMQs, took to calling for the resignation of virtually everyone she encountered, sometimes twice in a single speech.
Her targets included Chancellor Rachel Reeves, the entire cabinet, and the shadow cabinet. She even demanded her own resignation. Not a single person has yet followed her advice.
The fiercely contested Toady of the Year award was secured for a tenth consecutive year by Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp. Dubbed Westminster's 'Golden Nose in Search of a Bum', Philp was noted for his remarkable ideological flexibility. He praised George Osborne's economic case for Remain in 2016 and is possibly the only person to have wholeheartedly endorsed Liz Truss's mini-budget.
Controversy and 'Light Entertainment' from the Fringes
The Racist of the Year award, reflecting a marked rise in inflammatory rhetoric, was given to Reform UK's Sarah Pochin. She admitted needing to 'projectile vomit' at the sight of a black or brown face in an advertisement and now takes anti-sickness medication before entering the Commons chamber.
Nigel Farage and Robert Jenrick were also shortlisted, with Farage criticised for failing to apologise to former schoolmates alleging racist abuse.
Undisputed queen of the TV Light Entertainment Personality of the Year was former Prime Minister Liz Truss. Her January appearance, where she filmed a presidential inauguration from a Washington hotel after realising she was not invited, was just the start.
Her own YouTube chat show, reportedly edited by a '12-year-old intern strung out on ketamine', has featured conspiracy theories and guests described as 'almost as deranged as herself'. The show is reportedly being turned into a feature film, provided Truss can stay out of rehab long enough.
The Overseas Politician of the Year was awarded to US President Donald Trump. The Guardian presented this as rectifying an error after a BBC report mistakenly said the Nobel Peace Prize had gone to a Venezuelan woman. Trump was quoted claiming credit for ending eight global conflicts, including one between 'Albaniainians and the Azzers' who he said were unaware they were at war, and blaming the BBC for interference.
These satirical awards provide a sharp, humorous summary of a year of Westminster psychodrama, celebrating the absurdity and controversies that have dominated the political landscape in 2025.
