Brown enters Jewish power list
British prime minister included in Jewish Chronicle's list of people with greatest influence on UK Jews, although he does not have Tony Blair's 'natural affinity'. Britain's Chief Rabbi Sir Jonathan Sacks remains in top place
British Prime Minister Gordon Brown entered the list of people with greatest influence on British Jews published Friday, although he does not have the "natural affinity" of Tony Blair.
The Jewish Power 100 list, compiled annually by the Jewish Chronicle newspaper, also drew comment for notable absentees, including leading celebrity businessman Sir Alan Sugar and Chelsea boss Avram Grant.
Remaining in top place was Britain's Chief Rabbi Sir Jonathan Sacks, who has "consolidated his reputation as a rational and eloquent spokesman for people of faith through his broadcasts and newspaper columns."
Businessman Gerald Ronson, once jailed over a Guinness shares scandal but now a major philanthropist, is in second place, followed by publicity-shy property dealer Trevor Pears in third.
Slipping a few places from third last year to ninth this is Lord Michael Levy, Blair's former chief fundraiser, whose "influence has been diluted" with his boss's departure from office, the paper said.
Blair's embattled successor, preparing to mark a year in office having just suffered Labour's worst poll defeat in 40 years and facing growing infighting, is a new entry in the list at number 29 – 13 places lower than Blair was.
Brown, one of the few non-Jews in the top 100, "may not have Tony Blair's natural affinity with the Jewish community, but he has built on the good relations established by his predecessor," the Jewish Chronicle noted.
Not about famous Jews
From the media world notable power-players include The Times' comment editor Danny Finkelstein at number 11 and Guardian columnist Jonathan Freedland, down from 11 to 18th place.
Pop music producer Mark Ronson, who worked on Amy Winehouse's last album, was a new entry at 62 after announcing he is to record a Chanukah CD.
The Guardian was among the first to note absentees from the list, highlighting the fact that businessman-turned-television star Sugar had failed to secure a place in power list.
The tycoon – who made headlines this week by berating candidates on his hit TV show "The Apprentice" for not understanding the word "kosher" – "is a generous philanthropist but he does not pursue a specific agenda," said judge Ben Rich.
"It's not about famous Jews. Otherwise we would have Amy Winehouse and Chelsea manager Avram Grant on the list. It's about influence on the community," he told the daily.
Blair does not appear in this year's list, after his departure from office - although he may reappear if or when his role as a Middle East peace envoy bears fruit, said one judge.
