The Spectator

It is 25 years since The Spectator first began to recognise our better politicians with the annual Parliamentarian of the Year Awards. The inaugural winner of our main prize, the Parliamentarian of the Year award itself, was David Owen. Since then, the roll call of victors has grown to include John Smith, Nigel Lawson, Robin Cook, William Hague, John Major, Tony Blair and even, we must admit, Gordon Brown. The choices made by our judging panel of Westminster cognoscenti may not please all of the people, all of the time — but they are a reliable catalogue of the dominant players in modern British politics. But the Spectator's judges won't be only people to get their say.

Here is a selection of the blogosphere’s reaction to Ed Miliband’s speech. James Forsyth thinks Miliband did what he had to do. Peter Hoskin watches a Janus act from the Leader of the Opposition. David Blackburn sees Red Ed turn into a social conservative. Mary Riddell thinks that Ed’s speech has frozen out David. Tim Montgomerie reflects on a speech of clichés. Michael White praises a good first speech. Janet Daley thinks that Miliband’s 'optimism' is a euphemism for statism. And Will Straw has collated Ed Miliband’s world cloud. It spells: ‘New Generation must change country.

Here are some of the posts made at Spectator.co.uk over the past week. Fraser Nelson praises Clegg’s little bit of political S&M, and explains the problem with Cable’s posturing. James Forsyth says that attacking bonuses are a matter of political economy, and concedes that Nick Clegg still has more to do to bring his party with him. Peter Hoskin argues that David Miliband poses the greatest threat to the coalition, and notes that the Liberal Democrats are opposing the government’s school agenda. David Blackburn believes Labour will gain if the government chooses to delay the decision on renewing Trident, and thinks that Ulster Unionists will go into competition with the DUP. Susan Hill ponders the trials of age, in a whisper.

Here is a selection of responses to Clegg's from across the blogosphere.  Fraser Nelson reflects on Clegg’s bout of political S&M.   James Forsyth hears Clegg talk to party not country.   Peter Hoskin watches Nick Clegg shade the coalition yellow.   Alex Massie describes it as ‘lacklustre’, but reckons the audience may have seen it differently.   Iain Martin says that Clegg looked confident, but the Lib Dems aren’t very sure about this government business.   Nick Robinson reviews a ‘largely defensive speech’ from Nick Clegg.    Comment is Free’s Jackie Ashley and Deborah Orr give their verdict.