Eric Forth was one of the true characters of British politics. A House of Commons man to his core, Eric not only knew parliamentary procedure inside out but he knew how – and when- to use the rules to maximum advantage. Eric was a committed Thatcherite and an admirer of Ronald Reagan. As Chairman of Conservative Way Forward and an advisor and friend of The Young Britons’ Foundation, Eric championed limited government, traditional values, freedom and the Trans-Atlantic Special Relationship. A man of principle, determination and courage, Eric Forth knew how important it was to be an effective activist and advocate for radical change.
On Eric’s premature death in 2006, The Young Britons’ Foundation inaugurated an annual award to be given to the young conservative, libertarian or classical liberal activist whose attitude, ethos and effectiveness best mirrors the values, beliefs and achievements of Eric – The Eric Forth Award for Activism.
The nominees are:
- Anton Howes & James Lawson - for their work in setting up the Liberty League
- John King - for driving forward the Freedom Association’s campus presence
- Stephen Hoffman - for his campaigning zeal and devising the most memorable of chants at a Washington Nationals game
- Ben Harris-Quinney - for moving the Bow Group forward by winning its Chairmanship
- Nick Pickles – for exposing the continued growth of the state through Big Brother Watch
- Ryan Bourne – for reminding the political class that lower taxes generate higher growth rates
The winner will be announced at a banquet to be held at St Anne’s College, Oxford as part of YBF8 on Saturday, 10 December 2011. The Award will be presented by Eric Forth’s widow, Carroll.