Liberal Democrats win top political awards

8.28.00am GMT Fri 12th Nov 2004

Liberal Democrat Leader Charles Kennedy has been named politician of the year in the annual Parliamentarian of the Year awards. His unwavering stance on the Iraq War was praised. He responded to this honor by saying, "I hope this recognises that as Liberal Democrats we can take a principled decision, stick to our guns and win respect for it."

Also last night Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader Sir Menzies Campbell MP was judged to be the best Scottish politician in the House of Commons over the past year at the Herald/Diageo Political awards in Edinburgh. Earlier this year he was recognised by Channel 4 as Opposition Politician of the Year, and by the Hansard Society/House Magazine also as Opposition Politician of the Year. He commented, "It would be very flattering to receive even one of these awards, but to win all three is particularly gratifying."