Local MP in Line for Top Political Award

4.30.00pm GMT Mon 6th Dec 2004

Local MP Vincent Cable is one of a short list of three nominated for this year's Opposition Politician of the Year award by Channel 4 TV.

The others on the short list are David Davis, the Conservative Deputy Leader and John Bercow the maverick Conservative backbencher and rebel who was sacked by Michael Howard for speaking out against his party's policies. Vincent Cable was the only Liberal Democrat to make it to the short list.

Vincent Cable said: "Even to get to this stage is quite an honour. The nominations and award are made on the basis of a private vote of MPs across parties. It primarily reflects our fellow MP's views on how we have performed in the House of Commons.

"I suspect that the final vote will go to John Bercow since the Labour backbenchers will want to vote for a Conservative rebel; who is also an effective MP. But I am keeping my fingers crossed."