The 2009 Judging Panel
Each of the award categories was judged by a team of three judges. Once the short-list had been compiled from the nominations they each judged, in order of merit, who they believe the most worthy winner to be.
The judges all have something in common in that they are themselves proud Londoners in spirit if not by birthright. London's diversity gave us a wealth of great candidates in this respect.
Alan Johnson
The West London born and educated Honourable member for Hull West held a number of key cabinet position prior to becoming one of the few London born Home Secretaries to have held the post.
A keen supporter of charities and an avid promoter of young people.
Chris Grayling
The MP for Epsom and Ewell started his professional life in Broadcast Journalism working for the BBC and Channel 4 before moving into politics. Born in London, Chris is a keen sportsmen and once hit the Australian fast bowling legend "Legend" Dennis Lillee for 4 in a charity Cricket Match. He is Minister of State at the Department for Work and Pensions and a key member of David Cameron's Conservative party team.
Leona Lewis
Since having won the 3rd series of the X factor this daughter of Hackney in East London has fast become one of the top recording artists in the World. When her excellent debut album "spirit" hit the top of the US Billboard 200 charts she became the first British solo artist to achieve the feat of having a debut album chart at number 1. A hugely inspirational figure for millions of young Londoners, everyone involved in the Spirit of London project is proud to have Leona involved as a judge.
Tim Campbell
Social Entrepreneur Tim, sprung to public prominence when winning the inaugural "Apprentice" TV show on the BBC. Alan Sugar has subsequently been proven to have been spot on with his choice as Tim has moved on from his successful time with Amstrad to become a top businessman in his own right. His company the Bright Ideas Trust is now a leading charitable trust supplying opening and opportunities for young people looking to make their way in business. Tim is also a cabinet office social entrepreneur ambassador.
James Cleverly
Member of the London Assembly for Bexley and Bromley as well as the Advisor for young people to the Mayor of London, James is an extremely positive advocate of the capitals young ambassadors. James is also a Major in the Territorial Army.
Shaun Bailey
Shaun, born in London, is a Youth Worker, commentator and politican who is using his experiences to help make a positive change. His drive came from 15 years in the Army Cadet force, combined with a 20 year Gymnastic career. Following studies at South Bank University, and jobs which included working as a security guard at Wembley, he co-founded 'My Generation' - a charity set up to address the social problems facing young people and their families.
Daley Thompson CBE
One of the Capital's favourite sons, Double Olympic champion Daley won gold at the 1980 Moscow and 1984 Los Angeles games. One of the greatest competitors the UK has ever produced Daley now works with young people as an Ambassador for the Laureus Foundations Sport for Good programme and is also an Ambassador for the London 2012 Olympics.
Rio Ferdinand
Brought up on the Streets of Peckham SE5, Rio first came to prominence at West Ham and is now of course a huge icon at Manchester United and for England. Rio works tirelessly in his spare time to also support worthy causes and was one of the founder patrons of The Damilola Taylor Trust.
Camila Batmanghelidjh
Social Entrepreneur of the Year (2005), Woman of the Year (2006) and an author (She has written Shattered Lives: Children Who Live with Courage and Dignity and other papers) Camila has a rich history working with under privileged children. This soon led to the establishment of 'The Place To be' - a national project serving 20,000 children a year. By the mid 1990s she had founded Kids Company, a charity which supports children with severe behavioural, emotional and social difficulties resulting from significant levels of trauma and neglect.
Vernon Coaker
A product of Drayton Manor Grammar School near Ealing, Vernon has been MP for Gedling near Nottingham since 1997. He will always be a proud son of London though as his season ticket at Tottenham bears testament to. Vernon loves to work with young people and has been an ambassador for UNICEF.
Shane Richie
Shane Ritchie - Although better known as an "East Ender" Shane actually hails from Harlesden in North West London where his acting career started in youth theatre productions. A former Pontins Blue Coat Shane is a great role model for young people and in 2003 topped the pop charts with his rendition of the old Wham Classic "I'm your man" for Children In Need.
Jason Leonard OBE
Totally disproving the old adage that you needed the old school tie network to play for England Rugby Union's side, this son of Barking is a proud Essex boy as well as the record appearance maker for England with 115 caps.
A World Cup winner in 2003 he wants to see more budding young rugby union players coming through from the inner cities
Richard Taylor
Richard Taylor has campaigned tirelessly to help make local communities better places for young people to grow up in. Since the death of his son Damilola in November 200 his work has seen him travel the length and breadth of the country speaking to young people about the need to be positive and keep themselves on the right path in life.
Richard is the Official Government envoy for youth violence and knife crime.
Frank Warren
Frank is one of the best known boxing promoters in the world. Born and bred in Islington his love of Boxing is only matched by his love of his beloved Arsenal. Although better known for his work with the likes of Nassem Hamed, Amir Khan, Ricky Hatton, Joe Calzaghe and Nigel Benn, Frank's devotion to the sport includes working with young people to keep them off the streets by getting them into his boxing academy programmes.
A major contributor to many charities, Frank was inducted into Boxing's Hall of Fame in June 2008.
Tasha Danvers
Tasha is the 400m Hurdles 2008 Olympic Bronze Medallist and a serious gold medal prospect for London 2012. Tasha is a British Track & Field athlete born and raised in London, England to parents Donald and Dorrett. After studying and training in USA at the prestigious (USC) University of Southern California.
Her mission in life is to inspire others through her example, and help young people realise and live to their fullest potential. Whilst not competing, Danvers is a keen artist.
Ray Burdis
Ray Burdis, Managing Director of Britflick Productions has over 30 years experience as a Film and TV producer and director. Ray has run independent production company Fugitive for the last 25 years and has produced numerous features, including the acclaimed gangster biopic The Krays.
Brooke Kinsella
Brooke attended the Anna Scher acting school in Islington before going on to appear in Eastenders as well as many film features. Since the tragic loss of her much loved brother Ben in 2008 Brooke has become one of the leading campaigners against knife crime and youth violence in general.
Richard Taylor says of Brooke "A truly remarkable and brave young lady we are proud to have her as a judge as she encapsulates so much about what they are about in the way she conducts herself"
Ashley Walters
Born and raised in Peckham, Ashley knows first hand the impact of street life and it's potential for leading people astray. He first came to people's attention as a singer/rapper before going back into his first love - acting. With roles in The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles (aged 10) and Grange Hill (aged 14), he has been able to experience the benefits of using your talent as a power for good, and is now a patron of the Damilola Taylor Trust.
Ali Bastian
Hailing from Greater London Ali started her acting career in Hollyoaks before moving to Sun Hill as PC Sally Meane. Ali supports many charitable causes and is very excited to be involved with the Spirit of London. Everyone on the Spirit of London team will now be cheering for her when she takes to the dance floor in the new series of Strictly come dancing.
Niomi Mclean-Daley (AKA Ms Dynamite)
They say if you can survive Hells Kitchen you can survive anything and Niomi was a huge success on the last series of the award winning programme. With 2 Brit and 3 Mobo awards to her name as well having been awarded the "Mercury Album of the Year" in 2002 Niomi is no stranger to personal achievement. A product of Acland Burghley School in Archway, Niomi is a proud Londoner who loves working with young people.
Chris Nathaniel
Brought up in South London Chris is one of the highest profile young entertainment managers in the UK his clients include Ashley Walters, Rio Ferdinand, John Terry, Robinho, Usain Bolt and music success with the likes of Glamma Kid, Mis-Teeq and T2.
Richard Blackwood
A committed campaigner for young people, South London born Richard presents the ever popular Richard Blackwood show on CHOICE FM. Richard has also presented anti youth crime programmes for the BBC and on September 25th 2008 he hosted the stage for the "Peoples March Against Knife Crime" peace rally. Richard is best known for being on of the countries top comedians but he has also enjoyed film and TV success and in 2002 had a chart hit with "Mama Who Da Man"
Idris Elba
Idris Elba is a star of TV, Film and Theater who has made a great career in America while staying true to his roots in London where he was born and raised in Hackney. American Gangster and the recent Guy Ritchie hit "RocknRolla" are amongst his film credits while his recent portrayal of "Stringer Bell" in the cult US series "The Wire" received great critical acclaim. Idris loves to work with young people and is a youth ambassador for The Princes Trust.
Christine Ohuruogu MBE
Christine Ohuruogu is a proud flag bearer for the London 2012 Olympic games and London is equally proud of her for her stunning achievements on the athletics world stage. Gold winner at the world games 2007 and Olympic games of 2008, Christine who hails from Newham in East London was also a top netball player in her school and university days.
