<i>Independent</i> writer wins award

The Independent's chief political columnist, Steve Richards, was named Political Journalist of the Year in the Political Studies Association's annual awards.

The judges praised his "shrewd, perceptive and refreshingly insightful columns," describing them as a "must read". They singled out in particular his columns on Gordon Brown's "trials and tribulations: well sourced and insightful, his columns focus on the substantive issues and key questions facing the Government. A skilful broadcaster, he is first and foremost a very fine journalist."