Boris Johnson MP has received the CIPR President's Medal for his unique communications style and ability to engage with his audience.
CIPR President 2007 Lionel Zetter nominated Johnson for the award, which is awarded at the sole discretion of the CIPR President.
Zetter said: "For me Boris Johnson is one of the great communicators of our age. He is a prolific writer and commentator, communicating via numerous and vastly different channels.
"Whether speaking in the House of Commons, taking part in the BBC's news quiz Have I Got News for You, or writing for The Telegraph, Boris communicates in an amusing and straightforward manner which gets through to a wide range of audiences.
"He uses his wide cultural knowledge and humour to good effect in the well-directed speeches he makes in the Commons – and he rarely compromises and does not fear controversy.
"Boris’ style of communications is truly refreshing, and I am proud to bestow the President's Medal on him."
Boris Johnson said he felt privileged to receive the award: "In the past, I've been criticised for the way I communicate but I firmly believe my way can, at times, get through to people. Humour can be a way of connecting politicians with an audience who often feel their political representatives are out of touch and unable to connect with the average punter. I try to keep a balance – I'm not sure I always get it right but you can't fault me for trying. It is my pleasure to accept this award today.”
Johnson received the award during a private lunch at the CIPR Public Relations Centre in London on February 11.
Past medal recipients include Lord Bell (awarded by Alison Clarke FCIPR), Archbishop Tutu (awarded by Anne Gregory FCIPR), and in 2005 Ken Livingstone (awarded by Chris Genasi FCIPR).