Churchill voted most important Briton
WARTIME leader Sir Winston Churchill has been named as the most influential Briton of the last century.
Sir Winston was just ahead of the Queen, who received 19 per cent while Princess Diana polled 14 per cent.
But he made the top spot after gaining the votes of 23 per cent of those questioned for a survey.
The Second World War was chosen as the most defining period in modern times, as voted by a quarter of the 4,146 people polled.
The research was released ahead of Sunday’s 71st anniversary of VE Day which marks Nazi Germany’s surrender in 1945.
Former Tory Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher also made the top 10 along with the late pop icon David Bowie and broadcaster Sir David Attenborough, in the study for Saga Investment Services.
More women saw Princess Diana as a key influential figure, with 18 per cent voting for her against nine per cent of men.
Her death is also seen as one of the most “culturally significant events” with eight per cent marking the tragedy. Surprisingly, under- 50s were far more likely to think of the Second World War as the most important moment in recent history. Thirty per cent of this age group chose it against 19 per cent of over- 50s.
British over- 50s are more likely to value the creation of the NHS in 1948, with 24 per cent voting for this against 14 per cent of under- 50s.
The results varied across the regions. Scots were keen to cite the Independence Referendum in 2014 as a key moment with 10 per cent opting for the vote to break from the UK. Meanwhile, Olympic fever persists for Londoners with six per cent identifying the 2012 Games as one of their key events.
Gareth Shaw, head of consumer affairs at Saga Investment Services, said the list showed the diversity of British talent across politics, science, music, sport and business.
He said: “It’s important to reflect on the significant people and events of the nation’s past, particularly in light of our fast- changing modern society. Reflecting on this list, it’s hard to argue with the inherent ‘ greatness’ of Britain.”
IN a poll to find the most influential Briton of the last century Sir Winston Churchill has come out on top. With the anniversary of VE Day coming up on Sunday it is a timely moment for our wartime leader to claim another victory.