You know how I like a Top Ten list. Well today John Rentoul in the Independent on Sunday has compiled his Top Ten Most Interesting Politicians. You’ll have to read it yourself to find out just why Grant Shapps merited inclusion in such a list. Well, anything John Rentoul can do, etc etc. But what does ‘most interesting’ actually mean? Different things to different people, I guess. For me it means they stand out from the crowd, they’re willing to speak their minds, and they make a difference. So here, in no particular order, are ten politicians I find ‘most interesting’…

Jeremy Hunt
Slowly but surely Jeremy Hunt is building a formidable political reputation. He has retained his ‘nice guy’ normality but underneath the niceness is an iron political will. He came into the health job with a clear idea of what he wanted to achieve and isn’t afraid to say the unsayable (witness his speeches on nurses needing to be more caring). He also does a shift in a hospital most weeks, something you can’t imagine many of his predecessors doing.

Humza Yousaf
He is an SNP MSP and Minister for External Relations and International Development in the Scottish Executive. He’s also one of the most fluent and persuasive exponents of Scottish nationalism I have heard. Still under thirty, he truly is a rising star in Scottish politics.

Esther McVey
Tipped for promotion to the cabinet in the next reshuffle, Esther McVey is a tough talking political streetfighter who takes few hostages. She’s got a very different hinterland to most MPs and has made her own success. Not seen as a typical Cameroon, she has overtaken many of her intake and risen without seemingly ingratiating herself with the usual suspects. And good on her.

Julian Huppert
He’s not only a LibDem but he even looks like one. In his short time in Parliament he has made an impact in a number of areas. He’s retained his independence of thought and hasn’t become a backbench drone. If he retains his seat (as I predict he will) I foresee a big role for him in LibDem politics after the next election. The Speaker doesn’t seem to like him and picks on his appearance, which is a little odd to say the least.

Mary Creagh
A lot tougher than she looks, she is an undoubted rising star of Labour politics. Having scored successes over badgers and forests at Defra she was promoted to the more high profile transport brief in the last reshuffle by Ed Miliband. Labour spin-doctors need to give her a lot more of the limelight, and if they do she could well soon become a real mover and shaker in Labour politics.

Mike Penning
If David Cameron wants to introduce some much needed grit into his cabinet, he could do worse than promote Mike Penning, who has been a huge success in each of the three portfolios he has held in the coalition government. A former firefighter, he is a key ally of Iain Duncan Smith.

Sarah Wollaston
The winner of Britain’s first true open primary Sarah Wollaston isn’t used to playing the political game. She speaks her mind and damn the consequences. Her GP background means that she is to be taken seriously on health issues, but she isn’t afraid to speak out on anything if she feels the need to. Her colleagues sometimes don’t understand her and resent her rebelliousness. Good.

Ed Balls
I’ve always found Ed Balls to be charming, witty and someone who loves a good debate. We agree on virtually nothing, but he is a big beast of the political jungle. It’s fascinating to observe his relationship with Ed Miliband and how he comes to terms with the Brown legacy. The big question is will he ever be able to?

Diane James
The ‘real’ winner of the Eastleigh by-election, she should immediately have been made deputy leader of UKIP, but Nigel Farage seems determined to block her rising standing in UKIP circles. She’s only number 4 on their South East list, and stands little chance of election. She’s a superb media performer and if Farage fell under the proverbial bus she would be a red hot favourite as his successor. CORRECTION: She is now number 3 on their list so could possibly get elected, I am told.

John Woodcock
I tipped John Woodcock for the top a long time ago and when he was appointed to the front bench he seemed set for political stardom. But after a couple of health setbacks he went public about the fact he suffers from depression. One of the nicest people in Parliament, his health issues will make him a better politician