John Armstrong awards

John Armstrong has published his awards, and finalists.

Michael Cullen as Minister of the year is impossible to dispute. With Helen overseas half the time, he literally keeps the Government running. And he is very very funny in the House. The only MP that can always make me laugh, even if I don’t want to.

John Key as backbencher of the year is a good choice also. As Armstrong says “He has a frighteningly comprehensive grasp of his portfolio, which has won him the hard-earned respect of Cullen. But he still communicates in a crisp, easily understood fashion.”

Statesman of the Year to Richard Prebble is a lateral choice but a good one. The place will be diminished by his retirement next year,