The Influentials: London's top fifty

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What a difference a year makes. The Evening Standard published our first survey of the 1,000 most influential people in London 12 months ago. Then Ken Livingstone was Mayor and the credit crunch had barely got started.

Today we publish our 2008 edition. While this is not a scientific survey, it has been fascinating to ask our panel of experts — from both the Standard and beyond — who they think is truly influential. Status or position is not necessarily a prerequisite — many of the people on the list operate behind the scenes or away from the public gaze.

The magazine itself has 22 categories, from politics and business to fashion and art. Here we have selected 50 of the people that our panel believes are most influential in each of those 22 categories. Some of the people who are most influential appear in more than one section — and in the case of Boris Johnson, in no fewer than six categories. Together they show how fast influence has been shifting in our capital.

And to underscore that point, since the magazine went to press, Gordon Brown has dramatically reshuffled his Cabinet. So we have made room for one more Influential: Peter Mandelson.

Boris Johnson, 44
MAYOR OF LONDON

His ousting of Met boss Sir Ian Blair demonstrates the new Mayor has real clout. Beneath the bluster, he is savvy and steely. Recovered from quick-fire departure of two deputy mayors.
See Environment, Politics, Property, Running London, Society, Social London

Roman Abramovich, 41
CHELSEA FC, OWNER

The most famous Russian oligarch in London is as committed as ever to making Chelsea the best side in Europe. Also making a big impact in the art world, letting lover Daria Zhukova spend some of his millions.
See Sport

John Armitt, 62
OLYMPIC DELIVERY AUTHORITY, CHAIRMAN

Vital role overseeing the planning and infrastructure of London 2012. Former Network Rail boss is raising the tempo after Beijing Games.
See Property, Sport, Running London

Nikesh Arora, 40
GOOGLE, EUROPEAN VP

Boss of the internet giant's most important base outside California, bringing in close to a billion pounds a year in advertising revenue in the UK. Landed Google job after 17 interviews.
See New Media, TV & Radio

Ed Balls, 41
SECRETARY OF STATE FOR CHILDREN, SCHOOLS AND FAMILIES

His political fortunes have faltered with Labour's but his influence over London's schools is stronger than ever.
See Education, Politics

Victoria Barnsley, 54
HARPERCOLLINS, CEO AND PUBLISHER

Founder of 4th Estate, the formidable Barnsley took over at HarperCollins and has now expanded her remit to cover international operations.
See Literary London

Camila Batmanghelidjh, 45
KID'S COMPANY, FOUNDER

Works tirelessly for the capital's children, helping thousands to avoid a life of crime. Has twice remortgaged her flat to keep Kids Company afloat.
See Society

Michael Boyd, 53
ROYAL SHAKESPEARE COMPANY, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Has been busy restoring the Royal Shakespeare Theatre to its old glory. Directed all the history plays in sequence and brought them to the Roundhouse to critical superlatives.
See Theatre

Gordon Brown, 57
PRIME MINISTER

Regained initiative with reshuffle, by recalling old foe Peter Mandelson to Cabinet. Hopes his better handling of banking crisis will see off plotters. Says it's "no time for a novice".
See Politics

Sarah Brown, 45
PRIME MINISTER'S WIFE

Has significantly raised her profile, making Labour conference address in support of PM. Set up well-regarded Piggybankkids charity after losing her first baby Jennifer at 10 days old.
See Society, Social London

Arpad Busson, 45,
and Uma Thurman, 38
FINANCIER and ACTRESS

Anglo-Swiss financier "Arki" Busson, who runs children's charity ARK, has married his star companion. The couple united to host the annual ARK fundraisers on both sides of Atlantic.
See Social London, Society, Education

David Cameron, 42
LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION

In the ascendancy, with a big poll lead, donations piling in and the Tory Right wing acquiescent. The economic crisis has altered the political landscape but it may play into his hands if the Government takes blame for downturn.
See Politics, Environment, Social London

Samantha Cameron, 37
SMYTHSON, CREATIVE DIRECTOR

The baronet's daughter and Tory leader's wife is in demand in her own right as the creative director behind luxury stationer Smythson.
See Social London, Retail

Richard Caring, 60
ENTREPRENEUR

Powerhouse owner of the Caprice Group (Le Caprice, The Ivy, J Sheekey, Scott's and more), 80 per cent of the Soho House group and the late Mark Birley's dining clubs.
See Food, Social London

Shami Chakrabarti, 39
LIBERTY, DIRECTOR

Leading opponent of 42 day' detention of terror suspects and opposes introduction of ID cards. Principled and outspoken. Often described as Britain's most powerful Asian woman.
See Society, Politics, Law

Prince Charles, 59
PRINCE'S TRUST, CHAIRMAN

Dedicated and enthusiastic spokesman for charitable causes. Prince's Trust raises £1 million a week and is heavily involved in anti-knife initiatives.
See Society, Environment, Social London

Simon Cowell, 49
TV STAR/MUSIC MOGUL

The success of X-Factor and Britain's Got Talent means rarely a Saturday night passes without one of his shows. He owns programme rights too.
See Television & Radio, Music

Alistair Darling, 54
CHANCELLOR

Cemented his position with sure-footed handling of banking crisis in recent weeks, with moves to rescue HBOS and nationalise Bradford & Bingley. Still faces rough ride as recession looms.
See Politics

Lord Darzi, 48
HEALTH MINISTER

Pioneering surgeon, pushing ahead with reforms such as better care standards for patients. Plans to turn GP practices into "supersurgeries" have been attacked.
See Health

Edward Enninful, 35
FASHION STYLIST

A maverick who pushes boundaries. His Black Issue cover for Vogue Italia, highlighting paucity of black models in fashion, created a media storm.
See Fashion

Eric Fellner, 48, and Tim Bevan, 50
WORKING TITLE, PRODUCERS

Run the UK's most successful film studio with hits such as Four Weddings and a Funeral. Next up is Frost/Nixon.
See Film

Christine Gilbert, 58
HM CHIEF INSPECTOR OF EDUCATION, OFSTED

Her expanded Ofsted covers all areas of education apart from universities. Has the power to make or break a school's and a minister's reputation.
See Education

Lucian Grainge, 48
UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP INTERNATIONAL, CHAIR AND CEO

Britain's most powerful record label boss, presiding over seven of the 10 best-selling UK albums in 2007. Successes include Mika, Take That and troubled Amy Winehouse.
See Music

Sir Philip Green, 56
RETAILER

Billionaire owner of Topshop and Bhs signed up Kate Moss in a hit clothing deal. Has a new elder statesman role campaigning for the fashion industry.
See Business, Fashion, Social London

Steve Hilton, 38
CONSERVATIVE DIRECTOR OF STRATEGY

Svengali figure who masterminded Tory conference and is Cameron's most trusted strategist. So influential he still keeps his role despite being based in US, where his partner works.
See Politics

Nicholas Hytner, 52
NATIONAL THEATRE, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Commands the theatrical field after his five years in the job. Has presided over a fine line of new plays.
See Theatre

George Iacobescu, 62
CANARY WHARF, CEO

Suave boss of Docklands landmark that rivals the City as financial district. Landed a coup by convincing Wall Street giant JP Morgan to move in.
See Property

Jonathan Ive, 41
APPLE, DESIGN GURU

The world's most influential product designer, involved in the iPhone and iPod. He is returning to British roots, buying a £2.5 million retreat here.
See New Media

Sir Igor Judge, 67
LORD CHIEF JUSTICE

The nation's top legal authority is new in the job this year. Known for his humanity, yet he takes a tough line, throwing out unmeritorious appeals.
See Law

Mervyn King, 60
GOVERNOR OF THE BANK OF ENGLAND

Had a good sub-prime crisis — made his point about "moral hazard" and the peril of rewarding bankers for failure.
See Finance

Sir Terry Leahy, 52
TESCO, CEO

Canny and tough, Britain's biggest retailer has switched his focus from upmarket rivals to new cheap upstarts, proclaiming Tesco is "Britain's biggest discounter". Also expanding in Asia.
See Business

Stella McCartney, 37
DESIGNER

Sir Paul's savvy daughter has confounded critics with not only her catwalk shows but also her empire of perfumes and an organic skincare range. Reigning Designer of the Year.
See Fashion, Social London

Sir Simon Milton, 46
DEPUTY MAYOR, POLICY AND PLANNING

Mayor's chief of staff and most powerful of four deputies. His powers were increased after fellow deputy Tim Parker quit. In charge of policy as well as planning.
See Property

Lakshmi, 58, and Aditya Mittal, 32
MITTAL ARCELOR, CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Steel mogul and world's fourth richest man uses London as his base for his global steel empire. Bought vast Kensington home for £117 million. Aditya is his son and heir.
See Business, Health

Jamie Oliver, 33
TV CHEF, RESTAURATEUR AND AUTHOR

Setting the agenda again with his campaigning TV show Ministry of Food. Practises what he preaches with charitable restaurant foundation Fifteen expanding. His recipe books sell by the shelf-load.
See Food, TV & Radio, Literary Life

George Osborne, 37
SHADOW CHANCELLOR

Impressed at Tory conference with a sombre speech about economic woes. Respected in the City, his £1 million inheritance tax policy is credited with singlehandedly boosting Tory hopes.
See Politics

Antonio Pappano, 48,
ROYAL OPERA HOUSE, MUSIC DIRECTOR

Still young to hold such a distinguished position. Now entering his sixth season and set to continue to 2012.
See Music

Gail Rebuck, 58
RANDOM HOUSE, CHAIRWOMAN AND CEO

Empire includes Transworld, Cape, Chatto, and Century. Married to Labour stategist Philip Gould, she signed up Alastair Campbell's diaries and Tony Blair's memoirs.
See Literary London


Amanda Ross, 45
CACTUS TV, MD

Guiding force behind the phenomenal Richard and Judy Book Club. So far 82 titles have been chosen and some 26 million copies sold.
See Literary London

Charles Saatchi, 65
COLLECTOR

Britain's most famous contemporary collector unveils his new gallery in Chelsea this week. He leaves third wife Nigella Lawson to be the glamorous frontwoman.
See Art & Design

John Sauven, 54
GREENPEACE, DIRECTOR

Oversaw the "Greenfreeze" campaign to change refrigeration technology. In the past year he has spearheaded opposition to Heathrow expansion.
See Environment

Sir Nicholas Serota, 62
TATE, DIRECTOR

Eminence grise, presiding over a string of hit exhibitions (Bacon, Rothko). Plans for Tate Modern extension have assuaged critics. Pulled a diplomatic masterstroke in lending the Turner Prize to Liverpool to kick-start its European Capital of Culture year.
See Art & Design

Sir Martin Sorrell, 63
WPP, CEO

Advertising giant whose views on the economy, media and foreign affairs are constantly in demand.
See Business

Michael Spencer, 53
ICAP, FOUNDER AND CEO

Far and away the City's kingpin, he has added re-financing the Conservative Party to his day job. Touted as the Square Mile's richest self-made man.
See Finance, Politics

Sir Nicholas Stern, 62
LSE, IG PATEL CHAIR

Penned the well-regarded 2006 report bearing his name which analysed the economic impact of climate change. Previously the Government's chief economist, he now runs the LSE's new Grantham Research Institute.
See Environment

Jack Straw, 62
LORD CHANCELLOR

The first keeper of the Great Seal to sit in the Commons has handled the job more successfully than his predecessor, Lord Falconer. As Justice Secretary, Straw is also responsible for prisons and reforming the constitution.
See Law, Politics

Mark Thompson, 51
BBC, DIRECTOR-GENERAL

From deception scandals to swingeing job cuts, Thompson has had to weather many storms while rival broadcasters pitch for a slice of the corporation's income from the licence fee.
See Television & Radio

Adrian Wootton, 46
FILM LONDON, CEO

Wootton is dedicated to removing the red tape that used to stymie anyone trying to make a film in the capital.
See Film

Alan Yau, 46
RESTAURATEUR

Innovator whose latest creation is cut‑price Chinese restaurant Cha Cha Moon — his response to the credit crunch. Founder of Wagamama, he cannily sold his stakes in Hakkasan and Yauatcha for £30 million.
See Food

... And not forgetting
Peter Mandelson, 54
BUSINESS SECRETARY

Our magazine went to press too late to include his shock return to the Cabinet. A shrewd strategist and consummate networker, the hugely controversial ex-EU commissioner will make waves back in the capital.

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