Opportunist of the Year

Charles Kennedy's anti-war stance won him the top prize at the Spectator's parliamentary awards.

Spectator editor Boris Johnson presented the Lib Dem leader with his award saying, 'It is hard to deny that his initial political decision [to oppose the war] appears on the face of it to have been vindicated'. But Kennedy never said he opposed the war - at least, not beforehand. He only demanded that the invasion get the seal of approval from the United Nations. Either he was being dishonest, in that he really was anti-war but didn't have the nerve to say so, or he was being opportunist, trying to appeal to the anti-war movement without actually being anti-war.

Then again, given the cynical public view of our elected representatives, perhaps 'Politican of the Year' is an appropriate title for such doublespeak.

Meanwhile, media observers at last night's ceremony have been much amused by the banter between Johnson, who is also the Conservative's shadow culture spokesman, and Michael Howard, his party leader. 'I had no idea, when I appointed you, that you would take to your duties with quite such aplomb!' said Howard. 'You were keen to make your mark with the City of Culture. You wanted the people of Liverpool to get to know you better, and you have succeeded beyond my wildest expectations!' - before proceeding with much 'witty' innuendo about Johnson's love life. Some suggest there may not be a long-term future for the colourful Johnson on Howard's drab Tory front bench.

What odds on him scooping an award himself in 12 months time: Ex-politician of the Year?

Carry on up the Tories, Guardian, 12 November 2004