Rainbow List 2014: Michael Cashman tops the chart, as Sam Smith, Tom Daley and Evan Davis follow behind

The Labour party special envoy replaced Paris Lees as this year’s most influential LGBT person in Britain

The public nominations are in and the judges have decided - Michael Cashman ranks first on The Independent on Sunday’s 2014 Rainbow List.

The annual chart – formerly known as The Independent on Sunday Pink List - features the 101 most influential LGBT people in Britain, including politicians, commentators, campaigners, actors, comedians and musicians.

Cashman first became famous as Colin from Eastenders, playing half of the first gay kiss to appear on mainstream British television, before becoming a member of the European Parliament, and this year a member of the House of Lords. He is also a founder of Stonewall.

He replaced columnist, campaigner and Attitude editor-at-large Paris Lees, who came top in 2013, and ranks in second place this year. Religious commentator and musician Vicky Beeching came third, attracting the most public nominations for this year’s list, after having come out in August.

Leader of the Scottish Conservative Party Ruth Davidson and BBC Newsnight presenter Evan Davis came fourth and fifth respectively, with Davis climbing from last year’s position of 15, wielding more influence in his new role as Jeremy Paxman’s Newsnight successor.

Musician Sam Smith (7), Olympic diver Tom Daley (15), actress Rebecca Root (18) and director of critically-acclaimed film Pride Stephen Beresford (17) were among high-profile new entries to make the top 20.

Over 4,300 members of the public put forward their nominations for this year’s chart. To see the full list go to independent.co.uk/rainbowlist.