A former Yorkshire Post cartoonist came face-to-face with one of his political subjects this week as his work was once again recognised at a national awards.

Graeme Bandeira, who now works for the Northern Agenda, was presented The Tenniel Tankard after being named as runner-up in the Political Cartoon of the Year awards.

And the artist, who recently had four of his drawings published in the 2023 book of Britain’s Best Political Cartoons, picked up his prize from a favourite satirical subject of his – former home secretary, Suella Braverman.

A previous winner of the prestigious awards in 2020, this is the second time that Graeme has finished runner-up, with his sketch of ‘missing’ MP Nadine Dorries impressing both judges and the public voters.

Award-winning political cartoonist Graeme Bandeira with former home secretary Suella Braverman.

Ms Braverman, who arrived to a chorus of panto boos, said:  “Boy have you painted me horrifically… they say politics is showbusiness for ugly people and judging by your cartoons of me that is definitely true.”

However, she thanked the assembled illustrators for their ‘hideous and hilarious’ depictions of her and added: “Thank you for taking the piss out of me, long may you continue doing your hard work.”

Added Graeme: “To be fair, Suella held her own against some pretty strong heckling from the guests. I knew she was announcing my category and when she called me on stage, I couldn’t help thinking that I had completely stitched her up in the last few cartoons I had done involving her.

“We had our picture taken and as I shook her hand, I just said ‘thanks for all the material’ and she laughed. I think she appreciates that we need to hold them to account.”

Picking up his third major prize at the awards, Graeme admitted he was delighted to be competing with some of the best political cartoonists in the country.

“It means everything to me to be in that room and to pick up another award. To be in such esteemed company, gives you the confidence and the will to pursue what you want to do,” he said.

“It is great that a provincial cartoonist can be in there competing with the big hitters. I’m recognised in that Westminster bubble of cartoonists, which is hard to get into. I like to think I’m bridging something of a North/ South divide.”

The Northern Agenda newsletter was launched by Reach Plc, the publisher of the Manchester Evening News and Newcastle Chronicle, in 2021 to focus on political stories north of Westminster.

The political cartoon from Graeme which was voted as runner-up at the awards.