[4] The newspaper accepts that the list is an artificial exercise, but seeks to celebrate people representing much-needed values, in the hope that they will be seen as role models.
[6] The first list included Tim Berners-Lee, the inventor of the World Wide Web, cricketer and fundraiser Ian Botham, and author and philanthropist J. K.
The Wall Street Journal noted that the list included wealthy individuals such as Duncan Bannatyne, quoting his opinion that "Britain's rich don't do enough for good causes.
"[5] It also included ten less well-known people, who had featured in Gordon Brown's 2007 book, co-authored with Community Links, with a somewhat similar aim, Britain's Everyday Heroes.
[6] However, six exceptional individuals headed the 2010 list: Heather Brooke, who broke the MPs' expenses scandal; Brian Cox for making science "cool"; Kate Humble, wildlife enthusiast; playwright Kwame Kwei-Armah, bringing wider attention to Britain's black community; Jasvinder Sanghera, campaigner against forced marriage; and Archbishop John Sentamu, "thoughtful and provocative contributor to national debate".