The London Press Club Awards 2022 took place yesterday at the newly refurbished Stationers Hall, with prestigious awards being handed to some of the best talent in journalism.
The event began with a tribute to Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who was the recipient of the coveted ‘Londoner of the Year’ award, following a lifetime of duty and service.The award was presented by London Press Club Chair Doug Wills and LBC presenter Nick Ferrari.
Royal editor of the Evening Standard and Press Club Director Robert Jobson summed up the Queen’s special connection with the capital.
He said: “For years her base was Buckingham Palace during her long and illustrious 70-year reign.
“The eyes of the world were once again on London for the Queen’s final sad farewell, her starts funeral full of pomp and pageantry.
“Her appearances on that famous palace balcony during her silver, golden, diamond and finally her platinum jubilee in 2022 will live long in our memory as will the Queen – Elizabeth the Great.”
The Reverend Dr Alison Joyce led grace before a light lunch and dessert was served to attendees.
Special guest speaker and newly appointed Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Rt Hon. Michael Gove MP, spoke of the importance of press freedoms in a democracy in his speech.
In an interview with the Evening Standard, he said: “I will always have an enormous respect for and high regard for journalism as a trade.
“Even if at times I’m infuriated by coverage or by criticism that I may think is unfair towards me or others. I understand the pressures under which journalists operate and the need to be first and fast as well as to serve your readers. You’ve got to take the rough with the smooth.
“I am an unabashed undiluted total fan of journalism, free speech, free ideas. And we need to have a vigorous free press in order to keep those in power accountable… and to keep our public conversation both lively and serious.”
Nick Ferrari and BBC News journalist Riz Lateef presented awards and certificates to recipients.
WINNERS
Business Journalist of the Year: Ruth Sunderland Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday Group Business Editor
Sports Journalist of the Year: Jonathan Liew The Guardian
Broadcaster of the Year: Paul Brand UK Editor of ITV News
Multimedia Journalist of the Year: Jerome Starkey
Scoop of the Year: Jointly awarded to the Mail on Sunday for its exclusive on the Royal aide who allegedly pledged an honour to a Saudi billionaire and The Sunday Times for its “cash for honours” exclusive
Young Journalist of the Year: Noa Hoffman The Sun
Journalist of the Year: Pippa Crerar
Hugh Cudlipp Award: Partygate scandal Daily Mirror
Edgar Wallace Award: Stanley McMurtry (Mac)
Sunday Newspaper of the Year: The Sunday Times
Daily Newspaper of the Year: Daily Mirror
Award sponsors included The Blakeney Group, Busweiser, PA Media, Journalists’ Charity, British Journalist Review and Cision.
Report by Jonathan Kanengoni, Evening Standard
