27 John Grogan
chairman, All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group (29)
Robert Humphreys
secretary, All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group (29)
Why they're on the list:
Few individuals hold more important trade-lobbying posts than Grogan and Humphreys, who provide a vital link between the industry and Westminster politicians. It's a thankless job in many ways, but somebody has to do it. It's been open season on the drinks and pub trade of late, so these two have their work cut out to ensure the industry gets its voice heard in the corridors of power.
What the past year has held:
Loss-leader supermarket booze prices and issues such as the plight of community locals and identity cards, in which Humphreys takes a special interest (through the Proof Of Age Standards Scheme) are important enough. But the trade's problems were probably eclipsed by Darling's sledgehammer 4p-a-pint duty rise in April's Budget. The duo can be forgiven for thinking Darling just didn't want to listen. MP Grogan used parliamentary privilege last December to describe Tesco chief Sir Terry Leahy as the "Godfather of binge drinking." It was a dramatic way to place the issue of give-away supermarket booze prices in the public eye — and probably the quote of the year!
Challenges ahead:
Lobbying politicians is one thing. Getting them to act in a way that is truly sympathetic to the trade is another. Therein lies the big issue. Good luck, fellas.
