2024 Political Purpose Awards unveil shortlist, confirm ‘climate obstructers’ category

The ceremony will celebrates the most environmentally-focused politicians, and for the first time those acting against the interests of nature. 

Nominees for positive climate impact include Ed Miliband MP, Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero. London Mayor Sadiq Khan is also on the shortlist, as is Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham.

Those up for honours at the second annual UK Political Purpose Awards have been put forward by charities, NGOs, environmental journalists and public vote. Nature 2030 is behind the event, which aims to encourage more politicians to engage in climate-positive work. 

Liverpool Mayor Steve Rotheram has been nominated in the Rivers & Seas category alongside former Liberal Democrat leader, Tim Farron. Ex-Conservative MP Philip Dunne and Labour’s Alex Sobel are up for awards in Habitats, Biodiversity & Green Space.

Meanwhile, Ed Miliband, Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net-Zero, and Chris Skidmore, the former-Tory minister who delivered scathing reports into government progress on emissions and climate, are competing for Green Energy & Security. 

A new Wooden Spoon category has also been introduced, which will highlight ‘politicians doing the most to obstruct environmental campaigning’. Animal Welfare, and Pollution, Waste & Air, are among the other awards up for grabs. 

‘Ecotricity has long been at the forefront of the green industrial revolution. Our mission has expanded from Energy to include Transport and Food – the big three issues driving the overlapping crises the World faces – the climate, wildlife and human health crises. The green transition is one of the most important issues of our times.

‘It is an honour to be able to recognise the very best environmental campaigners in UK politics, as well as exposing those who do the most to delay and disrupt the progress we need. We have more new MPs than ever before, and the stakes couldn’t be higher,’ said Dominic Dyer, Chair of Nature 2030. ‘Let’s show the parliamentary class of ‘24 what real environmental campaigning looks like.’

Read a full list of all the nominees below:

Category 1: Animal Welfare – Four Paws UK

This award recognises politicians who do the most to protect animals in the UK and beyond and is presented in partnership with Four Paws UK

Mairi Gougeon MSP
Baroness Hayman of Ullock
Ruth Jones MP
Matt Vickers 
John Spellar

Category 2: Rivers & Seas – River Action

This award recognises politicians who do the most to protect UK waters and is presented in partnership with River Action

Tim Farron MP
Barry Gardiner MP 
Baroness Jenny Jones of Moulescoomb
Sarah Olney MP 
Steve Rotheram

Category 3: Pollution, Waste and Air

This award recognises politicians who do the most to deal with waste and pollution

Andy Burnham 
Sadiq Khan 
Caroline Lucas
Lorna Slater MSP

Category 4: Habitats, Biodiversity, and Green Spaces – Plantlife

This award recognises politicians who do the most to protect biodiversity at home and abroad and is sponsored by Plantlife

Philip Dunne 
Monica  Lennon MSP
Caroline Lucas
Alex Sobel MP

Category 5: Green Energy and Renewables – Ecotricity

This award recognises politicians who do the most to campaign for a net-Zero society and is sponsored by Ecotricity

Fleur Anderson MP
Ed Miliband MP
Chris Skidmore

Category 6: Green Council of the Year – Keep Britain Tidy

This award recognises UK councils with the strongest environmental record and is sponsored by Keep Britain Tidy

Calderdale Council
Kirklees Council
Stroud District Counci

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Image: Christian Battaglia