Boris Johnson scoops award for politician of the year at The Spectator's political awards

Boris Johnson was named politician of the year today for proving to be the “candidate who touches parts of the electorate that other Tories don't”.

Guests at The Spectator's annual political awards were told the Mayor of London, a former editor of the magazine, scooped the top accolade for breaking the Conservatives' electoral curse.

Spectator editor Fraser Nelson said: "Our winner has proved that he is indeed the candidate who touches parts of the electorate that other Tories don't.

"The only question is when he'll return to be a contender for the parliamentarian of the year category."

Justin Welby, the next Archbishop of Canterbury, scooped peer of the year, for being the "most politically active clergyman ever sent to Lambeth Palace".

Home Secretary Theresa May's decision not to extradite Gary McKinnon, who faces computer hacking charges in the United States, earnt her the minister of the year award, while Jesse Norman was named top parliamentarian for his role in the rebellion on House of Lords reform.

Among a string of more tongue-in-cheek accolades was an award for Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, a former recipient of the magazine's best newcomer title, for apology of the year after he became an internet sensation after his video on the student tuition fees debacle.

Lord Hill won non-resignation of the year for "giving up on giving up" after reports Prime Minister David Cameron was too distracted on reshuffle day to notice the Tory peer was trying to resign.

Clashes over green policy at the Department of Energy and Climate Changes saw Lib Dem Secretary of State Ed Davey and his Tory minister John Hayes named double act of the year.

The awards, held in London's Savoy Hotel, have been running for the past 28 years and previous winners include Tony Blair, John Major and Edward Heath.

Other award winners were:

Newcomer of the year: Andrea Leadsom

Backbencher of the year: Alistair Darling

Minister to watch: Liz Truss

Campaigner of the ear: Andy Burnham

Inquisitor of the year: Margaret Hodge

Speech of the year: Charles Walker and Kevan Jones

Resurrection of the year: Sir George Young.

PA