The Progress 1000 Gala: Hero Pc Stuart Outten honoured as London celebrates capital's best and brightest

The Standard’s 13th annual roll-call of the capital’s 1000 most influential people, produced for the fifth year in partnership with global bank Citi, was unveiled at the Design Museum in Kensington last night as many of those honoured paid tribute to “the world’s most diverse and pioneering city”.

One, model and campaigner Adwoa Aboah, said she felt “very lucky to call this city home” on a night where London was hailed for its record on progress and innovation.

Killing Eve star Fiona Shaw, who has lived in London for almost 40 years, said she loved its “eccentricity and diversity.”

Author and chef Jasmine Hemsley said she felt inspired by London’s creativity and added: “It is an extremely creative place, and the fact London keeps growing in size and people are drawn here shows it is a land of opportunity to get ideas off the ground.”

Journalist Rachel Johnson, prime minister Boris Johnson’s sister, said: “I came here tonight on an electric bike. I love that. I love everything that this city is doing in technology and innovation.”

At the event “Britain’s bravest police officer” received a rapturous ovation as he received the first Progress 1000 London Hero Award.

Speaking via a pre-recorded video, Pc Stuart Outten, who was injured after being struck repeatedly with a machete while on duty in Leyton, said: “I’d just like to say thank you to the public for their support on the night and the outpouring of support I’ve had since the incident.”

The award, presented by Citi CEO James Bardrick, was accepted on Pc Outten’s behalf by Met Commissioner Dame Cressida Dick, who said he is “a wonderful servant who wants to protect us all, the whole of London, and he wants to keep us safe.”

The top spot on the list of 1000 influential names was awarded to the “Rebel Alliance” — the group of MPs of all parties who forced through the Benn Act that requires the Government to delay Brexit if no deal is reached with the European Union.

Introducing them, Standard Editor George Osborne said: “These MPs come from different parties. They disagree about many things but they put their careers on the line, they’ve given up some of the most comfy positions on the front bench of their parties, they’ve challenged their leaderships, and they’ve endured threats and no end of abuse.

“This group, when they work together, have proven themselves to be the most powerful force in British politics right now, and it’s thanks to them I believe that Britain is not going to be taking the disastrous course of leaving the EU without a deal.”

Accepting the award, former home secretary Amber Rudd said it was vital to ensure “the right Brexit outcome.”

Others there included Conservative chairman James Cleverly, who said London “has for centuries been one of the global centres of innovation.”

The party was hosted by Ayesha Hazarika, editor of the Standard’s The Londoner, with a performance from Hackney-born singer Arlo.

Other guests included model Ashley James, chefs Asma Khan and Ravinder Bhogal and model and transgender activist Munroe Bergdorf — who hailed London as “the best city in the world.”

Laurent-Perrier provided champagne, Maestro Dobel served cocktails and Audi was the event’s official car partner.