National treasure

THE awarding of the Oldie of the Year accolade to the actress Joanna Lumley could be construed as a contradiction. Some would say it is an insult that such an inspiring individual should even be nominated for this category at the youthful age of 63.

By The Newsroom

Published 26th Jan 2010, 21:10 BST

Updated 26th Jan 2010, 21:10 BST

Seriously, there is no more fitting beneficiary of this award, given how she almost single-handedly forced the Government to capitulate over

residency rights for Gurkha soldiers. Not many backbench MPs can claim to have made such an impact on policy.

It was Ms Lumley's fellow conspirator, Nick Clegg, the Liberal Democrat leader, who summed up her modus operandi when he said: "Personally, I have never encountered such a deadly combination of spell-binding charm and single-minded ruthlessness."

It is little wonder that so many voters want such national treasures to stand for Parliament. With the political parties intent on selecting candidates because of their youth, experience – a priceless commodity – is being marginalised.

Yet this is precisely what Britain requires. Long may Joanna Lumley, and her like, continue to inspire.