Press

Contrarian Prize 2024 shortlist announced

Published 7/10/24

To read more click here for the article

---

Ali Miraj interviewed by Michael Portillo

Appearance date 16/10/22

---

The day I became a prize contrarian

Published 20/11/21

To read more click here for the article

---

Why the Contrarian of the Year should hand back his award at once

Published 13/11/21

To read more click here for the article

---

From Eton and Oxford to 'The Guardian’: the 2021 Contrarian Prize shortlist

Published 11/10/21

To read more click here for the article

---

Contrarians are valuable, even when they’re wrong

Published 01/01/21

 To read more click here for the article

---

In a woke world, be a contrarian

Published 11/11/20

To read more click here for the article

---

Long live the contrarians

Published 28/9/20

To read more click here for the article

---

Isn't it about time we paid tribute to the contrarians among us who won't be cowed?

Published 1/7/19

It takes bravery to put your head above the parapet and challenge convention, writes Ruth Dudley Edwards.

To read more click here for the article

 

---

Katharine Birbalsingh: Quite Contrary 

Published 28/6/19

The winner of Contrarian Prize features in the FT diary column.

 To read more click here for the article

 

---

The importance of being a Contrarian 

Published 11/6/19

The 2019 shortlist features individuals from a variety of backgrounds that have gone against the grain and spoken out for what they believe.

To read more click here for the article

 

---

Let’s celebrate the British contrarians bold enough to challenge the status quo

Published 16/5/19

As the excitement mounts ahead of the Contrarian Prize ceremony on 25 June here is who has made it to the shortlist.  

To read more click here for the article

 

---

A no-deal Brexit might be the best thing for the UK, so argue the contrarians

Published 27/11/18

Ahead of the Contrarian Prize in conversation with Professor Patrick Minford on 5 December 2018, Ali Miraj has written this piece about those advocating a "ne deal" Brexit.  . 

To read more click here for the article

 

---

Stop seeking refuge in moral indignation – listen to those who dare to disagree

Published 2/10/18

As the nominations for the 2019 Contrarian Prize open, we highlight the importance of discussing thorny issues in the public sphere, including immigration, rather than seeking refuge in moral indignation and self-righteousness. . 

To read more click here for the article

 

---

Being a contrarian is tough, but on Brexit – as on Thatcherism – I'm sure I'm right

Published 175/17

Winner of the Contrarian Prize 2017, Professor Patrick Minford, outlines why he is pro-Brexit and comfortable going against the grain. 

To read more click here for the article

 

---

Forget the crushing consensus of trigger warnings and safe spaces: Our world needs more contrarians

Published 28/11/16

As the excitement mounts ahead of the Contrarian Prize special debate: Contrarianism in an age of conformity, we highlight the importance of debate. 

To read more click here for the article

 

---

Simon Danczuk: A Great British Contrarian

Published 27/11/15 

Ahead of the Contrarian Prize lecture on 2 December 2015, Ali Miraj has written this piece about the 2015 winner, SImon Dancuk MP, . 

To read more click here for the article

 

---

Coverage of the 2015 Contrarian Prize

Published 16/11/15

It was always going to be a lively evening at this year’s Contrarian Awards, and last night did not disappoint, as MP Simon Danczuk follows in the footsteps of human rights lawyer and Guantanamo Bay campaigner Clive Stafford Smith to become the biggest contrarian of 2015.
To read more click here for the article

“Stooges and boot-lickers get ahead.” Strong words from Contrarian Awards founder Ali Miraj. Tonight, City figures will gather at Piccadilly’s Maison Assouline to celebrate champions of controversy at the Contrarian Prize Awards.
To read more click here for the article

 

To read the article please click here

 

---

Contrarians are vital for healthy democracy

Published 16/11/15

Ali Miraj has written a piece for City Am outlining the contribution Contrarians make to our democracy. 

Read it here

 

---

Contrarian Prize 2015 shortlist announced

Published 16/11/15

The shortlist for the 2015 Contrarian Prize can be read about here

 

 

---

The Importance Of Being Contrarian

Published 25/9/14

Ahead of the Contrarian Prize lecture on 19 November 2014, founder of the Contrarian Prize, Ali Miraj, has written a piece highlighting public disillusionment with the estanblished political parties and the need fo Contrarian figures in British public life. Read it here

---

Where Are Our British Contrarians?

Published 25/9/14

Read the article in the Huffington Post launching the nominations process for the Contrarian Prize 2015 here

---

The Fine Art of Being Contrarian Gets Its Night Out in Mayfair

Published 3/4/14

Read the article in The Capitalist column in City AM here

---

Corporate Contrarians That Reveal Misconduct Should Be Recognised

Published 20/11/13

Ali Miraj has written a piece for City AM today ahead of the inaugural Contrarian Prize lecture which will be delivered this evening by ex-Olympus CEO, Michael Woodford at Cass Business School.

Click here to read the article

---

Contrarian Prize on LBC

Published 9/10/13

Ali Miraj was interviewed on Friday 27th September by Iain Dale. 

---

Evening Standard Covers Contrarian Prize

Published 19/03/2013

Click here to go to the Evening Standard coverage of the Contrarian Prize Winner 2013.

---

Contrarian Prize shortlist announced by the Independent

Published 01/03/2013

To see more details please click here

---

The Contrarian Prize in Today’s Independent

Published 27/11/2012

The public are screaming out for leaders of principle. But do our parties have any to offer?  

Click here to read the article in today’s Independent.

---

Contrarian Prize on LBC

Published 25/09/2012

Ali Miraj appeared on Iain Dale’s Sunday morning show to discuss the idea behind the establishment of the Contrarian Prize and to encourage people to nominate individuals they believe are worthy of this accolade.  (London's Biggest Conversation, LBC 97.3 - talk radio for London on current affairs and news affecting London.)

You can hear the discussion by clicking here.

---

Contrarian Prize Featured In Today’s Independent

Published 17/09/2012

The Contrarian Prize is featured in today’s independent.  

The article can be seen here.