Lesley Abdela in East Sussex, outside her home was voted into the Top 50 Heroes Of Our Time international poll conducted by the New Statesman. Lesley founded the all party 300 group for women in politics in the United Kingdom in 1980. Lesley is now a specialist in helping democracy develop in unlikely places around the world, where deadly conflict has wreaked havoc on the societies such as Kosovo. Iraq, Afghanistan, Aceh etc. Awards 1996 UK Woman of Europe to recognise her substantial contribution to the status of women in Europe. Honorary Doctorate from Nottingham Trent University for her work on human rights. MBE for services to women in politics/public life. Nancy Astor Media Award for best article in a National Daily Newspaper (UK) about women in politics.