
This is the list of the top 100 most influential people on the left published today by LBC broadcaster Iain Dale.
The selection was compiled by Dale with a prominent supporter each of Jeremy Corbyn and Tony Blair as well as a national newspaper journalist.
- (-) Jeremy Corbyn
Leader of the Labour Party
Even though the Labour Party lost the election, somehow it didnât feel like it. Corbynâs tenuous hold on the leadership solidified overnight and the party now feels he has earned the right to fight the next election on his own terms. His increased power was exemplified by the fact that he didnât need to bring any (bar one, Owen Smith) of his old adversaries back into the Shadow Cabinet. - (+1) Sadiq Khan
Mayor of London
He may not have a speaking slot at the Labour Party conference, but heâs the most powerful elected Labour politician in the country. A cute media performer, he talks a good game, but the proof of the pudding will be in solid policy achievements. So far they are scarce. Housing is where he can really make a mark, but so far the juryâs out on whether he can meet his ambitious housebuilding targets. - (+1) John McDonnell
Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer
John McDonnell holds huge away over Corbyn. Some say he is Corbynâs Svengali, although heâs in competition with our Number 4 for that title. Milne and McDonnell are said to be the ones pulling Corbynâs strings and he doesnât do much without their say-so. - (+1) Seumas Milne
Director of Communications & Strategy
Seumas Milneâs grip on power around the leader has grown hugely in the last 12 months. Heâs created a powerful media team which is effective at rationing media appearances and keeps to a minimum interviews with journalists  thought to be unfriendly. - (+22) Karie Murphy
Head of the Leaderâs Office
Said to be the oil that lubricates the Corbyn machine, Murphy is one of they key members of his operation. The leaderâs office is said to be much more tightly organised and this is largely down to Murphyâs abilities. - (-4) Nicola Sturgeon
First Minister of Scotland
Last year we said: âSturgeonâs reputation will stand or fall on the result of a second independence referendum. Will she have the courage to push for it?â Itâs now off the agenda for the foreseeable future and the loss of SNP seats in June further tarnished the reputation of Scotlandâs First Minister. Have we already seen âpeak Sturgeonâ? - (-1) Tom Watson
Deputy Leader of the Labour Party
Some argued for Tom Watson to drop further in this list. He tried to ease out Corbyn in summer 2016 but he has links which reach into all parts of the party and remains an ultimate fixer. - (+4) Andrew Murray
Chief of Staff at UniteÂ
It may seem odd to place Andrew Murray ahead of Len McCluskey in this list but he makes the top ten due to his closeness to Jeremy Corbyn. He was drafted in to effectively run the general election campaign and ran a well oiled machine. He may be back at Unite, but his influence is still felt around Jeremy Corbyn. - (+15) Owen Jones
Guardian columnist
You canât keep Owen Jones down for long and he rises in this yearâs list, not just due to his media omnipresence but also his tours of the country inspiring activists in marginal seats. His prolific writings and tweets make him by far and away the most influential left of centre commentator. - (-1) Andrew Fisher
Director of Policy
Fisher has a controversial past but is very adept at imposing himself and his views. One of Corbynâs most trusted lieutenants, he wrote the partyâs election manifesto which was widely praised by all and sundry. He now has time to put some flesh on the policy bones. - (-4) Len McCluskey
General Secretary, Unite
McCluskey has gone from mild criticism of Corbyn to his chief cheerleader in the Union movement. His union continues to fund the party to a massive extent and thatâs unlikely to change. - (+5) Emily Thornberry
Shadow Foreign Secretary
Like a phoenix from the ashes, Thornberry has recovered from her white van moment to rise, almost by accident, to the top of the Shadow Cabinet. Now seen as a serious potential successor to Corbyn she has almost effortlessly become one of his key lieutenants even if she is far from being on his wing of the party. - (Re-Entry) Sir Keir Starmer
Shadow Brexit Secretary
Having managed to convincingly hold half a dozen positions on Brexit in the space of a year, Keir is this yearâs highest new entry. Seen as a potential leader, some say he is over-hyped, but given the breadth of opinion on Brexit in the party heâs done well, and done well across the despatch box too. - (-4) Diane Abbott
Shadow Home Secretary
Would die in a ditch for her leader. Promoted to the Home Affairs portfolio but she falls in this yearâs list because of a series of difficult interviews. Needs to work her passage back to a position of real influence. - (-5) Frances OâGrady
General Secretary, TUC
OâGradyâs profile has fallen in the last 12 months although she has lately been outspoken on Brexit. Her difficulties as a platform speaker holds her back, although she is much more effective in one to one media interviews. - (+17) Angela Rayner
Shadow Education Secretary
A rising star, Rayner has found her voice in the fight against Theresa Mayâs grammar school proposals. Last year we said âthe jury is out on how far she will go.â The juryâs in and sheâs now seen as a serious leadership contender. - (New) Barry Gardiner
Shadow International Trade Secretary
Barry Gardiner achieved a huge profile during the general election given his willingness to appear on any media outlet at any time. One of the five politicians trusted to do so by Seumas Milne. The Labour equivalent of the LibDemsâ Tom Brake. And thatâs meant as a compliment. - (-10) Jon Lansman
Founder andd Chair, Momentum
Lansman has started to appear on the media and does a good job when he does, and heâs largely stayed out of trouble. Heâs quietly developed Momentum into a powerful activist force and this was evident in the election where he was able to deploy activists to marginal seats. - (New) Andrew Gwynne
Shadow Communities and Local Government Secretary, Campaigns Co-ordinator
Gwynne has become a key lieutenant to Jeremy Corbyn and has become a very effective media performer. Combative but with an obvious sense of humour. Rewarded for his loyalty and media achievements in the election campaign with an important shadow cabinet role. - (+8) Chuka Umunna
Former Shadow Business Secretary, Founder VoteLeaveWatch
Umunna has kept up a high media profile, despite no formal position on the frontbench. A redoubtable Remainer, his main objective is now to fight Brexit from a position sometimes out of kilter with his partyâs. - (-1) Andy Burnham
Mayor, Greater Manchester
He walked his election in Manchester and has maintained a reasonably high national profile. Handled the terror attack well and was a unifying factor. However, thereâs clearly little love lost between him and his party leader. - (-) Caroline Lucas
Co-Leader of the Green Party
Won her seat with ease at the election and still really the only Green with a huge public recognition factor. A resonant voice in the Brexit debate, her challenge now, with her co-leader Jonathan Bartley is to take the Greens to the next level. - (New) Nick Brown
Chief Whip
     Nick Brown has huge experience as a whip and he knows the task ahead of him, particularly in keeping his parliamentary flock together over Brexit.
- (New) Ian Lavery
Chair of the Labour Party
      Like Andrew Gwynne, Lavery was thought to have had a good election and was therefore promoted to replace Tom Watson as Labour Party chair. Liked by people on all wings of the party he is seen as a unifying force.
- (-7) Yvette Cooper
Chair, Home Affairs Select Committee
Although beaten into third place, she emerged from the 2015 leadership campaign with some credit, and has retained a high media profile. She has made a strong start as chair of the Home Affairs select committee and is respected across the House. - (-3) Tim Roache
General Secretary, GMB
Roache isnât the media-friendly performer that his predecessor Paul Kenny was, and he hasnât quite got his gift of the gab. But then again, few have, and the GMB has scored some campaigning victories. - (-1) Iain McNicol
General Secretary of the Labour Party
Described in this list last year as âa dead man walkingâ, McNicol has proved to be a great survivor. Although his authority was slightly usurped by Andrew Murray in the election campaign, he still there and gives little sign of falling on his sword. - (+7) James Schneider
Head of Strategic Communications, Leaderâs Office
Schneider was adept at carving out a high media profile for himself in his job as national organiser for Momentum, but since his appointment to Corbynâs team he has had to eschew appearing on the broadcast media. A shame really as he became the acceptable face of the left. - (New) Matt Zarb-Cousin
Former press office to Jeremy Corbyn, Political Pundit
Since he left working for Corbyn, Zarb-Cousin has developed a strong presence in the political broadcast media. A total believer in the Corbyn project heâs happy to put forward the party line in any forum, and has gained a lot of respect for his media appearances. - (+60) Rachel Shabi
Journalist & Commentator
Omnipresent on our screens, the redoubtable Shabi is one of the few Corbyn-supporting commentators to be taken seriously by the media. Thoughtful and fluent, she deserves her massive rise in this yearâs list. - (-10) Paul Mason
Freelance Journalist and Commentator
Some say he is Corbynâs âChemical Aliâ, others see him as a guru. Our panel felt that his influence in the Corbyn inner circle is overstated but his projection of the Corbyn project in the media means his influence on the wider left remains strong. - (-16) Lisa Nandy
Former Shadow Energy & Climate Change Secretary
If Jeremy Corbyn were to fall under a bus, some in the Labour left were looking to Lisa Nandy as the candidate of the left in a future leadership election. However, sheâs had a quiet year for her, with just her appearances on This Week keeping up her public profile. - (+14) Jess Phillips
Labour MP for Birmingham Yardley, Chair of the Womensâ PLP
We predicted in 2015 that Phillips would be âone of the characters of the new Parliament.â We were right. Outspoken, funny and able to take the fight to the enemy, Jess Phillips is hugely talented but itâs difficult to see her accepting a front bench position, even if it were offered. - (New) Kerry-Anne Mendoza
Editor in Chief, The Canary
If anything can be described as Alt-Left it is The Canary, which has a distant relationship to factual reporting, even though it describes itself as a news site. In fact, it is no more than a Corbynista propaganda site, but has been hugely successful in attracting clicks. Kerry-Anne Mendoza is its public face and is in much demand in the hated MSM. - (-12) Dave Prentis
General Secretary of UNISON
Prentis is a softly spoken moderate and any influence he exerts will be behind the scenes rather than shouted from the ramparts. A resolute defender of Corbyn in the media. Another union leader who has had a quietish year.
- (-6) Baroness Alicia Kennedy
Labour Peer
Having run Tom Watsonâs deputy leadership campaign Kennedy is the power behind the throne.  A true party insider, she knows where a lot of bodies are buried. - (-5) Carwyn Jones
Welsh First Minister
Carwyn Jones has struggle to build a UK wide profile and certainly comes a poor second to Nicola Sturgeon in the self publicity stakes. However, he is a powerful advocate of Walesâs interests in Westminster and is becoming more vocal on Brexit. - (+28) Tony Blair
Former Prime Minister
Some say Tony Blair is becoming increasingly irrelevant to the future of Labour but given that if youâre even a tad to the right of Jeremy Corbyn youâre denounced as either a âBlairiteâ or a âToryâ, it just shows that the three time election winning former prime minister still continues to shape the debate on the left, just as Margaret Thatcher does so on the right. His stance on Brexit helps him rise up the list this year. - (-2) Hilary Benn
Former Shadow Foreign Secretary, Chair, Brexit Select Committee
It was thought that Hilary Benn would be a real thorn in the side of the government on Brexit when he took over as chair of the Brexit Select Committee. It hasnât really turned out like that due to the many competing voices on the issue. The next 12 months could be somewhat different, even if controlling the many different voices on his select committee is like herding disobedient cats. - (-1) Heidi Alexander
Former Shadow Health Secretary
One of the nicest people in parliament, Alexander was given a huge promotion when she was appointed to the Health portfolio, where she did an excellent job. Her resignation was clearly very painful to her. She ought to be a major player in the Labour Partyâs future. Sheâs concentrating on chairing a new initiative promoting Britainâs continued membership of the Single Market. - (-1) J K Rowling
Labour Party donor
J K Rowling has developed a knack of speaking out rarely, but effectively. Her donations both to Labour and to the Remain campaign inevitably confer influence. - (-11) Kevin Maguire
Assistant Editor, Daily Mirror
Turned down the job as Corbynâs Head of Communications, Maguire has become the go to voice for those who want to know what is going on at the top of the Labour Party. Even though he has been critical of Corbynâs performance, Corbynâs people know they canât afford to alienate him. - (-9) Kate Osamor
Shadow International Development Secretary
Last year we said: âSeen as a competent performer, Osamor needs to develop a higher public profile, which is not easy to do in this role.â It wasnât. She didnât. Hence her fall. - (-1) Anushka Asthana/Heather Stewart
Joint Political Editors, The Guardian
They have confounded those who thought a political editor job share could never work. Theyâve broken big stories and each developed a good media profile. - (-1) Polly Toynbee
Guardian Columnist
In 2015 we wrote: âToynbee has been a surprising Corbyn sympathiserâŚbut itâs inevitable that at some point she will part company with Corbyn and his team.â Last year we wrote: âIt didnât take long.â Sheâs now done a bit of a reverse ferret and seems again to be more supportive of the Labour leader. In danger of being out-influenced by the new generation of left of centre writers. - (New) Rebecca Long-Bailey
Shadow Business Secretary
Said to be Jeremy Corbynâs favoured successor Long-Bailey didnât feature in last yearâs list but none of our panel could work out why. Sheâs in at 46 but in reality should be a lot higher given the opportunities to make political hay in this portfolio.
- (-11) Baroness Shami Charkrabarti
Labour Peer & Shadow Attorney General
Last year we said we considered her a shoo-in to Jeremy Corbynâs new shadow cabinet. We were right. However, she continues to be dogged by accusations that the conclusions of her June 2016 inquiry into antisemitism in the Labour Party were tepid to say the least. Seems rather uncomfortable in the rough and tumble of party politics. - (New) Emma Rees
National Organiser, Momentum
A bright and media friendly successor to James Schneider, Rees is responsible for growing the activist base of Momentum. Said to enjoy good relations with the Corbyn team, she is likely to be a star of the future. - (+30) Stephen Bush
Editor, New Statesman âStaggersâ blog
One of the rising stars of a new generation of journalists on the left, he was one of the few to predict the course of Corbynâs election as Labour leader. He is getting an increasing broadcast media profile and if he continues in this vein will next year outrank many of his older rivals. - (-4) Jonathan Ashworth
Shadow Health Secretary
Has been a critic of Corbyn but has decided to hang on in there in the Shadow Cabinet. Consistently walks a political tightrope, but is an impressive media performer. Heâs done a very good job in this portfolio, which hasnât restricted him speaking out on other subjects too. - (-3) Harriet Harman
Former Deputy Leader of the Labour Party
Publishing her memoirs kept her profile up, and she continue to be influential on womenâs issues. - (-37) Clive Lewis
Labour MP for Norwich South, Former Shadow Defence Secretary
His resignation from the shadow cabinet now looks to have been a major tactical mistake. Been very quiet of late. - (-3) John Cryer
Chair of the Parliamentary Labour Party
A popular chair of the PLP, Cryer has had a difficult task in keeping the party together in parliament. Deserves a medal. - (-3) Helen Lewis
Deputy Editor, New Statesman
Lewisâs profile has been maintained and she is considered one of the more balanced and thoughtful commentators on the centre left. - (-) John Woodcock
Labour MP for Barrow in Furness
One of the MPs not afraid to confront the Corynistas and tell it like it is, despite the aggression he has encountered. Everyone, including him, was astonished he retained his seat. Has had to temper his anti-Corbynism. - (New) Glenys Willmott
Leader, Labour Group of MEPs
Brexit has given Willmott a higher profile, but it is likely to be shortlived if we do indeed leave in March 2019.
- (Re-entry) Anas Sarwar
Labour Member of the Scottish Parliament
Standing for the leadership of Scottish Labour, even if he doesnât win, heâs going to be a key player in reviving Labourâs fortunes north of the border. - (-6) Cat Smith
Shadow Minister for Voter Engagement, Youth Affairs & Local Transport
Cat Smith has been as close as anyone to the Labour leader yet she has a rather low profile portfolio in the shadow cabinet. - (-3) Jon Trickett
Shadow Cabinet Office Minister
Formerly chief political advisor to Ed Miliband, Jon Trickett has made the transition seemlessly to the new guard. Although he is a reliable media performer for Corbyn, he has been shunted off into one of the more obscure portfolios. - (New) Richard Leonard
Labour Member of the Scottish Parliament
Competing with Anas Sarwar for the Labour leadership in Scotland, he is thought to be Jeremy Corbynâs favoured candidate, but it remains to be seen whether his Englishness holds him back. - (New) Manuel Cortes
General Secretary, TSSA
One of the more cerebral trade union leaders, he is listened to across the party. - (New) Ellie Mae OâHagan
Freelance Writer
Ultra Corbynista, OâHaganâs writings are pored over by others for signs of where the left of the party is heading. - (-9) Jason Cowley
Editor, New Statesman
The New Statesman has agonised over its role as a left of centre magazine during Corbynâs leadership, but it goes from strength the strength, particularly in its online offering. - (+22) Alison McGovern MP
Chair, Progress
One of the last keepers of the Blairite flame, she is an increasingly important voice for the right of the party, especially on Brexit. - (-2) John Swinney
SNPÂ Deputy First Minister of Scotland & Education Secretary
Has moved from the Finance to Education portfolio, a traditional bed of thorns in Scotland. His performance here could signal more success for the SNP, but if he fails⌠- (-5) Mick Cash
General Secretary, RMT
The RMT continues to call more strikes than any other union, or it appears to, but for a change it seems to enjoy a lot of public support for doing so on Southern Rail. - (-5) Liz Kendall
Former leadership candidate
A quiet year from Liz Kendall, despite her regular appearances on This Week. She ought to be the main spokeswoman for the right of the Labour Party but hasnât maintained the profile she gained in 2015-16. - (Re-entry) Chris Leslie
Labour MP for Nottingham East
Chris Leslie re-enters this list entirely due to his profile on the issue of Brexit and his media appearances on behalf of Open Britain. An effective performer and a loss to the front bench. - (Re-entry) Alastair Campbell
Editor at Large, The New European, Diarist
Alastair Campbell may be the devil to many Corbynistas but he makes a dramatic re-entry to this list because he has become one of the most high profile and eloquent exponents of the case to remain in the EU. Itâs not a left wing cause per se, but heâs constantly putting lead in the pencil of those on the left who believe in it. - (-6) Gloria de Piero
Labour MP for Ashfield
In any rational world Gloria de Piero would be one of the faces of the Labour Party, but politics is rarely rational. Her time will come. - (+12) Baroness Angela Smith
Labour leader in the House of Lords
The role of Labour leader in the House of Lords is crucial in the parliament, especially given the Great Repeal Bill. The question is how independent from the party leadership Smith will prove to be. - (-7) Katherine Viner
Editor, The Guardian
Last year we said: âYou just get the feeling that The Guardian isnât influencing the debate in the way that it used to.â Thereâs a distinct lack of innovation in either its print or online offering and we see no reason to change our view this year. It needs to be more than Owen Jones and Polly Toynbee. - (New) Steve Rotheram
Mayor of Liverpool
Rotheram has some work to do in reunifying the Liverpool Labour Party following his unsurprising victory in May. Heâs an effective operator and will do well as an advocate for the city. - (-33) Ed Balls
Dancer
Now entering the âpost Strictlyâ phase of his life, itâs difficult to see a return to frontline politics for this talented politician. It will be interesting to see where his career takes him next. - (+18) Ayesha Hazirika
Political Commentator & Comedian
Former adviser to Harman and Miliband, Hazirika is now carving out a role for herself in the world of political punditry and broadcasting. She has also revived her stand-up career with a sell-out comedy tour. - (+20) James Meadway
Economic Adviser to John McDonnell
Meadway has overtaken Richard Murphy as the far leftâs favoured economic guru. Came to McDonnell from the New Economics Foundation. - (-18) Mhairi Black
SNPÂ MP for Paisley & Renfrewshire South
Mhaira Black may not quite have lived up to her maiden speech, but she remains an inspirational figure in Scottish politics. Her second year in Parliament has been quieter than her first. It was even rumoured she might stand down at the June election. - (-8) Marvin Rees
Mayor of Bristol
Wrestled back the mayoralty of Britain from an Independent and one of the few black figures in the Labour Party in a position of power. However, unlike other city mayors he hasnât achieved much of a national profile. - (+1) Lloyd Embley
Editor, Daily Mirror
The Mirror was an early critic of Jeremy Corbyn but Embley has carefully repositioned the paper and some bridges have recently been built. - (New) Randeep Ramesh
Chief Leader Writer, The Guardian
A talented writer, Ramesh is seen as one of the most influential voices on The Guardian and is tipped for bigger things.
- (-9) Lucy Powell
Former Shadow Education Secretary
A good communicator, Powell ought to be found a role which doesnât involve languishing on the backbenches. Itâs a thorough waste of her talents. - (New) Dawn Foster
Columnist, The Guardian
One of the new breed of columnists on the left who offer a refreshing new slant on the issues of the day. Sheâs becoming a bit of a feminist icon.
- (-39) Stella Creasy
Labour MP for Walthamstow, Former deputy leadership candidate
A great champion of single issue causes, Creasy is a one woman lobbying machine. In any other world sheâd be a shoo-in for the shadow cabinet. - (New) Andrew Harrop
General Secretary, Fabian Society
The Fabian Society has traditionally been seen as a bit fusty but under Harropâs leadership it has seen something of a renaissance, publishing uncharacteristically controversial research papers. - (-28) Luke Akehurst
Secretary, Labour First
One of the most talented Labour people never to have become MP. His Labour First group is influential in the party. One of the partyâs troopers. - (-4) Richard Burgon
Shadow Secretary of State for Justice
Described by some as Jeremy Corbynâs propagandist, Burgon is certainly a true believer. Heâs got a very high profile portfolio but often appears on the media talking on subjects way outside his brief. - (-11) Matt Wrack
General Secretary, FBU
Wrack provided good leadership to his members in the dispute with the government over pay, conditions and pensions, and unusually, he got the public on his side. Last year he has led his union back into Labour Party affiliation. - (+6) Richard Angell
Director, Progress
A key player in the struggle to undermine Jeremy Corbyn, Progress has now become seen by some as the right wing rival to Momentum, when it is actually nothing of the sort. Angellâs profile is on the rise. - (New) Dr Faiza Shaheen
Director, Class
Another of the new breed of Corbyn supporting commentators, whoâs an original thinker on Labour and social issues. - (New) Matt Turner
Editor, Evolve Politics
Turner has just been given a lobby pass and although Evolve isnât as well known as The Canary, itâs infinitely more readable. Expect him to rise dramatically up next yearâs list.
- (+1) Matt Forde
Political Commentator & Comedian
An uber-Blairite Forde has developed a good reputation as a serious political commentator as well as a comedian. His mimicry is astonishingly accurate and his weekly political show on the channel DAVE has become a must-watch for viewers of all political persuasions. - (New) Sarah Champion
Labour MP for Rotherham
Champion has been outspoken on the issue protecting children from sexually motivated gangs and it cost her her shadow cabinet job. Sheâs unlikely to remain silent for long. - (New) David Babbs
Executive Director, 38 Degrees
38 Degrees has established itself as one of the more influential left of centre campaigning organisations, even if its effectiveness is a little hit and miss. Babbs has been a big part of its growth. - (-10) Rachel Reeves
Chair, Business Select Committee
Another of Labourâs lost generation who did not seek a job under Jeremy Corbyn. Sheâs a real loss to the frontbench, but she now has a renewed opportunity to make her mark as a select committee chair. - (Re-entry) Damian McBride
Special Advisor to Emily Thornberry
McBride more than anyone has helped Emily Thornberry to rise up this chart this year. And for that he deserves to return to this list. - (+4) Aaron Bastani
Commentator & Founder of Novara Media
A controversial figure, Bastani has carved an influential role for himself and his social media based company and is held high in the affections of Corbyn and his team. Heâs been slightly usurped by The Canary and Evolve, though in terms of influence. - (-6) Sam Tarry
Political Officer, TSSA & Director of Corbyn for Leader
Tarry is close to Corbyn and led his team during the second leadership election. An effective operator but failed to get a seat at the election. - (-13) Luciana Berger
Former Shadow Mental Health Minister
An impressive performer, she stood to be mayor of Liverpool but came a poor third in the selection. Still retains a high profile on mental health. - (-) Leanne Wood
Leader of Plaid Cymru
In publicity terms Plaid certainly punches above their weight given their consistent lack of ability to really make a breakthrough in the Welsh Assembly or indeed the Westminster parliament. They did get one extra seat but it feels as if Leanne Wood has taken Plaid as far as she can. - (New) Stormzy
Grime artist
Corbsâ favourite Grime artist. His support for the Labour leader helps him get down wiv da kidz.


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