
The criteria from the judges were as followed:
- The Orwell test: Was the article written in good, clear English?
- The scholarship test: Was its knowledge base sound and well grounded?
- The Alzheimer test: Could I remember its contents clearly several days after reading it?
- The durability test: Is it likely to be read some years later, or was it just good current comment?
- The originality test: Did it have something distinctly new to say?

All of these criteria were fulfilled and the prize was given at the Orwell Prize Awards by co-editor Deborah Mabbett on 26 May at the University of Westminster. You can read the winning article here.