BBC News | UK | Today's politics-free 'hero' search

BBC Radio 4's Today programme is launching its search for the hero of the year - but for the first time, politicians are banned from entering.

The move follows the controversy in 1996 when political parties tried to influence the vote.

Programme editor Rod Liddle said: "I've decided to bar politicians because there is a real danger they or their supporters will try to rig the vote."

Listeners will also be able to vote for their biggest villain of 2000.

Matthew Pinsent: Essay contributor

The process of drawing up the shortlist begins on Monday with the first of a series of essays by public figures suggesting their heroes and villains of 2000.

Contributors include ex-chief schools inspector Chris Woodhead, novelist Fay Weldon, former British Airways chief executive Sir Bob Ayling and Olympic gold medal-winning oarsman Matthew Pinsent.

Nominations close on 23 December and the final shortlist will be revealed four days later.

Listeners have until midnight on 28 December to cast their votes before the winners are announced on Today on 30 December.

Last year's poll was a one-off on the Personality of the Millennium and attracted 45,000 votes, with William Shakespeare winning top place followed by Sir Winston Churchill and William Caxton.


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