Last night the Palace of Westminster came alive as we hosted the 2025 Parliament News Awards. It was an evening to celebrate leadership, impact and real commitment across Parliament—none more so than our winners, who are driving change in their fields.
Kicking off the evening, our Editor at Large, Alistair Thompson paid tribute to the hard work and vision of everyone shortlisted. He told those attending that the awards night reminded us that leadership, principle and public service are still thriving at Westminster.
“If anyone doubts the importance of Parliament, or the dedication of those who serve within it, the record of 2025 should put those doubts to rest”, he commented.
“In current session Parliament has considered hundreds of bills, from major Government legislation like the Finance Bill and Employment Rights Bill to numerous Private Members’ Bills, including the Assisted Dying Bill, with over 1,000 amendments tabled in the House of Lords alone.
“This year, parliamentarians asked well over 30,000 written and oral questions—covering everything from housing, inflation, and NHS waiting lists to foreign policy, defence, climate adaptation, and the cost of living. Peers and MPs challenged ministers at every opportunity, holding them to account for their plans, their promises, and their actions.
“Select Committees have launched dozens of inquiries, grilling officials, industry leaders, academics, and campaigners. In 2025 alone, committees have examined the Afghan data breach, Bank of England interest rates, accessibility of apprenticeships, and the future of the UK jobs market. These investigations deliver real-world change, influencing both legislation and public services.
“Hundreds of debates have been held this year in Westminster Hall, the Chamber, and the Lords. From local infrastructure, to national campaigns around homelessness, mental health, support for veterans, and domestic abuse. Parliamentarians have used their voices to raise the concerns of millions—sometimes drawing on constituency struggles, sometimes on long-standing expertise.”
He concluded by thanking all the MPs, peers and policy experts for writing 250 exclusive articles this for parliamentnews.co.uk this year, giving the digital platform a wealth of unique content and its USP.
Moving on to the awards, one of this year’s headline awards went to Peers for the Planet, the House of Lords cross-party group at the forefront of environmental action in Westminster. Over the past year, Peers for the Planet have led the way in shaping green legislation—securing vital amendments to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, protecting biodiversity, and pushing government to be bolder on clean energy and net zero commitments.
Their work is practical, relentless and impactful. With hundreds of questions asked in the Lords on everything from nature protection to global diplomacy on climate, this group has kept ministers on their toes and environmental policy high on the agenda. Their ability to unite peers from all parties is not just rare in today’s politics but an inspiring example of collaborative leadership.
Of course, Peers for the Planet were just one of many deserving winners.
The hotly contested Backbencher of the Year, with 14 nominations, went to Naz Shah MP, for who had “…shown exceptional leadership and compassion in her work as a backbencher this year, making her a strong candidate for Backbench MP of the Year. Her role on the assisted dying committee has exemplified her commitment to tackling some of the most complex and sensitive issues in UK politics. Throughout the committee’s work, including when she was forced to leave because the committee made no accommodation for her disability, Naz has been a voice for both empathy and evidence-based policy. She has listened closely to a wide range of perspectives, from medical professionals to those directly affected by end-of-life issues…”.
Lifetime achievement, which recognised a long and outstanding contribution to public life went to Baroness Stroud, whether in the House of Lords, at the think-tank the Centre for Social Justice, or leading ARC, her work, “…embodies compassion, ambition, and a commitment to practical solutions…”, with her focus on “…policies to tackle poverty, reform welfare, and create opportunities for the vulnerable.”
Her nomination went on: “Her parliamentary work is defined by a belief in dignity, enterprise, and the power of individuals to shape their own futures… She remains a driving force for social reform, responsible leadership, and hope—making a lasting difference both in the UK and beyond.”
Another hotly contested category, Parliamentary Staffer of 2025, was a split decision by the judges, going to Emma Walker and Christine Wallace.
Peer of the Year went to the popular Baroness Tanni Grey Thompson, in recognition that both inside and outside Parliament she is seen “…as one of the most consistent and respected advocates for disabled rights, better sports access, and ethical social policy”. Her nomination also flagged up her work scrutinising the assisted dying bill currently going through the House of Lords.
Parliamentary intervention or speech of the year went to Baroness Kidron, nominated by both Baroness Freeman and Lord Freyberg for her speeches on amendments to the Data Use & Access Bill, which “combined a forensic analysis of the need for amendment and an explanation of the wording chosen, with passionate and highly-informed rhetoric, which led to overwhelming majorities in the votes supporting her – time and again.”
Campaign of the Year went to Rachel Maskell MP for her, “campaign to defend the rights and dignity of those affected by benefit cuts.”
Her nomination continued: “Throughout 2025, as Parliament debated sweeping changes to the welfare system—proposals that put the lifelines of disabled people and families at risk—Rachael Maskell stood firm. She spoke powerfully in the House of Commons, highlighting not just statistics, but the real human stories behind every policy change. When others sought to balance the books at the expense of the vulnerable, Rachael sounded the alarm, warning against ‘draconian cuts’ that risk deepening poverty and social exclusion…
“…That principled stand came at a political cost. She was stripped of the Labour whip—one of four MPs removed for voting their conscience and opposing the government’s reforms to benefits like Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment. Yet, in her own words, it was her duty to ‘represent her constituents and those whose lives depend on these vital supports’.
“Rachael Maskell’s leadership reminds us that true politics is about standing up for what’s right, no matter the personal consequence—a commitment to decency and compassion in the toughest moments.”
The final category was Frontbencher of the Year, which was won by Robert Jenrick for his work as Shadow Secretary of State for Justice and for “…harnessing social media to directly engage with voters, reaching millions and making politics less remote.”
Concluding the evening, our Alistair once again thanked the judges, generous room sponsor Lord Jackson, attendees, those who nominated — and offered his congratulations to the winners!
**Parliamentnews.co.uk would also like to thank the amazing staff at the House of Lords for all their help and support both before and during the awards and our incredible singer Mary Red, who entertained us with a selection of Christmas songs.**
