Influence now moves across a much wider landscape – through data, digital campaigning, social-first journalism, personal platforms and voices that are able to shape conversations in real time.
That is what the Pagefield Awards 2026 were designed to recognise.
This year’s Awards celebrated the politicians, journalists, campaigners, commentators and digital teams who have helped define the national conversation over the past year. From Westminster and Whitehall to newsrooms, social platforms and campaigning organisations, our winners reflect the many different ways influence is now built, exercised and understood.
Following a rigorous judging process, supported by an independent panel of senior journalists and advisers, we are delighted to announce the winners of the Pagefield Awards 2026.
Frontbench MP or Peer of the Year: Rt Hon Ed Miliband MP
This year’s award for Frontbench MP or Peer of the Year goes to the Rt Hon Ed Miliband MP.
As Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Ed Miliband has been at the centre of one of the defining policy debates of this Parliament: how the UK secures its energy future, accelerates the transition to clean power and makes the political case for long-term infrastructure investment.
His performance over the past year has demonstrated both political resilience and strategic clarity. In a challenging economic and geopolitical environment, he has framed energy policy not simply as a climate objective, but as a matter of national security, economic competitiveness and household resilience.
At a time when the politics of net zero can be difficult, contested and vulnerable to short-term attack, Ed Miliband has remained a prominent and effective advocate for solar, wind, nuclear and clean energy investment. His win recognises a frontbench politician who has combined policy ambition with political impact.
Rising Star of the Year: Chris Curtis MP
The winner of Rising Star of the Year is Chris Curtis MP.
Chris Curtis quickly established himself as one of the most interesting and influential members of this Parliament’s intake. His work with the Labour Growth Group placed him at the heart of one of the most important internal debates facing the Government: how Labour delivers economic growth, reform and rising living standards.
What marks Chris Curtis out is the constructive nature of his influence. His interventions are not simply critical for the sake of it; they are focused on solutions, policy substance and the practical choices required to deliver change.
His Substack has also become increasingly influential across Westminster and wider policy circles, giving him a platform beyond the Chamber and helping him shape debates among MPs, advisers, commentators and policy specialists. For a relatively new MP, that is a significant achievement, and one that points to a growing role in the future.
Political Speech of the Year: Zack Polanski AM
The award for Political Speech of the Year goes to Zack Polanski AM.
Zack Polanski’s speech following his election as Leader of the Green Party of England and Wales marked a significant moment not only for his party, but for the wider political landscape.
It was a speech with energy, clarity and intent: a call to arms for a party seeking to position itself more assertively in an increasingly fragmented, multiparty political environment. Its message to the Government – “We are not here to be disappointed by you. We are not here to be concerned by you. We’re here to replace you” – cut through because it captured both the frustration and ambition of a political movement seeking to expand its reach.
The speech helped define the early phase of Zack Polanski’s leadership and contributed to a wider sense that the Greens were no longer content simply to influence from the margins. It was bold, memorable and politically consequential.
Most Influential Business or Economic Journalist of the Year: Ed Conway
This year’s Most Influential Business or Economic Journalist of the Year is Ed Conway.
As Economics and Data Editor at Sky News, and a regular columnist for The Times,Ed Conway occupies a rare and valuable position in British journalism. His work reaches broad public audiences while also being taken seriously by policymakers, business leaders and those closest to economic decision-making.
His great strength is making complex economic and data-led stories accessible without oversimplifying them. Whether explaining inflation, energy markets, supply chains, industrial strategy, productivity or public finances, Ed Conway connects technical detail to the real-world consequences for households, companies and governments.
At a time when economic debate is often polarised, abstract or reduced to slogans, Ed Conway’s journalism brings clarity, evidence and authority. His win recognises the impact of work that not only explains the economy but helps shape how people understand it.
Journalist Whose Influence Grew and Grew this Year: John Burn-Murdoch
The winner of the Journalist Whose Influence Grew and Grew this Year is John Burn-Murdoch.
John Burn-Murdoch’s influence has grown through a distinctive combination of authority, clarity and reach. As a columnist and Chief Data Reporter at the Financial Times, he has become one of the most important interpreters of the social, economic and technological shifts shaping the modern world.
In a media environment crowded with opinion, his work stands out because it shows, rather than simply tells. Through original data analysis and exceptional visual storytelling, John Burn-Murdoch makes complex trends visible – from AI and inequality to growth, health, demographics and changing patterns of work.
His charts and analysis travel far beyond the usual boundaries of economic journalism. They are shared by policymakers, business leaders, journalists and engaged readers because they help clarify what is really happening beneath the surface. That is influence of a particularly valuable kind.
Political Journalist of the Year: Patrick Maguire
This year’s Political Journalist of the Year is Patrick Maguire.
As Chief Political Commentator at The Times, Maguire has consistently delivered some of the sharpest analysis and most insightful reporting on the inner workings of the Starmer Government and the wider political landscape.
His journalism combines deep sourcing with historical understanding and a clear grasp of electoral politics. He is particularly strong at explaining not only what has happened, but why it matters and what it reveals about power, strategy and the direction of government.
Across his writing, Times Radio appearances and The State of It podcast, Patrick Maguire has become one of the essential voices for anyone trying to understand British politics. His win recognises journalism that is consistently authoritative, original and agenda-setting.
Digital Campaign of the Year: End Violence Against Women Coalition
The winner of Digital Campaign of the Year is the End Violence Against Women Coalition.
Its campaign to push intimate-image abuse and sexually explicit deepfakes higher up the political and media agenda showed the real-world power of sustained digital campaigning, survivor advocacy and public affairs pressure.
Through coordinated campaigning, media engagement and digital mobilisation, the coalition helped bring an urgent and deeply harmful form of abuse into sharper public focus. The campaign contributed to Government support for new offences relating to deepfake abuse, and helped sustain wider debate around platform responsibility, online harms and the need for stronger protections.
This was a campaign that combined moral clarity with strategic effectiveness. It shaped conversation, influenced policy and demonstrated the power of digital campaigning when it is rooted in lived experience, evidence and a clear demand for change.
Social Media News Team of the Year: Sky News Digital Team
The award for Social Media News Team of the Year goes to the Sky News Digital Team.
Social-first journalism now plays a central role in how millions of people encounter, understand and engage with the news. Behind that work are teams whose editorial judgement, speed and platform understanding are essential, particularly during fast-moving or high-pressure news moments.
Sky News’ digital and social team has become a leading example of how traditional newsroom standards can be adapted for a fragmented, platform-native environment. Across TikTok, Instagram, vertical video and other digital formats, the team has combined speed and accessibility with the accuracy and responsibility expected of a major news organisation.
Their work shows that social-first journalism is not simply about chasing attention. At its best, it is about meeting audiences where they are, without compromising editorial standards.
Digital Voice of the Year: Martin Lewis
The winner of Digital Voice of the Year is Martin Lewis.
Few individuals have built a digital presence with such reach, trust and practical impact. Through MoneySavingExpert, social media, broadcast appearances and direct engagement with the public, Martin Lewis has continued to shape national debate around household finances, consumer rights and personal finance.
His voice is distinctive because it combines expertise with urgency. He is able to challenge government, regulators and companies while remaining rooted in the everyday concerns of the people affected by their decisions.
At a time when many households continue to face intense financial pressure, Martin Lewis’ digital influence has been not only visible, but valuable. He has become one of the most trusted communicators in the country and a voice people turn to for clarity, advocacy and action.
Celebrating influence in all its forms
The Pagefield Awards 2026 recognise that influence today is not held in one institution, one chamber or one format. It is built through speeches that define political moments, journalism that explains complexity, campaigns that drive change, and digital voices that earn trust at scale.
Congratulations to all of this year’s winners and shortlisted nominees. Their work has shaped debate, challenged assumptions, informed audiences and helped define the national conversation over the past year.