Frankie Lister-Fell

Frankie Lister-Fell’s portfolio of work “demonstrates the rewards to be had when a journalist integrates with the local community”, judges said. “She looks at issues which might otherwise get overlooked – giving a voice to those without one.”

Nowhere is that more evident than in her work on homelessness in north London. Lister-Fell revealed that rough sleepers’ belongings and tents were being thrown into council bin lorries to clear the streets, a revelation which gained national attention and forced an investigation into how such a policy could have been agreed. Lister-Fell organised a public meeting for people to share their concerns with authorities and Camden Council agreed to no longer take part in the clearances. Judges said this work is a “great example of holding those in power to account”.

Meanwhile, in an article entitled ‘Never forgotten’, the family of Stephen Holmes – one of serial killer Dennis Nilsen’s victims – placed their trust in Lister-Fell to finally tell their story. She reported on a memorial event with sensitivity and care, with the resulting piece being “particularly powerful”, according to judges. 

In another front page exclusive, Lister-Fell’s revelation that bare knuckle boxing was taking place on the streets prompted police and the council to move in and stop the unsafe ‘bouts’.