CAROLINE Lucas has topped BBC Radio 4 Woman’s Hour annual Power List – which is dedicated this year to celebrating environmentalists.

The Green Party MP for Brighton Pavilion took first place in the list of “inspiring women” whose work makes a positive contribution to the environment and sustainability.

Ms Lucas has been recognised by the judges for being “fearless in holding power to account” and for being a “constant advocate for the environment”.

The Women’s Hour website said: “Caroline’s been a constant advocate for the environment in the most powerful place in the UK – Parliament – as part of a cross-parliamentary groups on fuel poverty and renewable energy, and committees that scrutinise government legislation.

“She’s shown consistent support for green issues like animal welfare, trade justice and green economics.

“Most recently, Caroline has been working to push through the Climate and Ecological Emergency Bill, which will build on the Climate Change Act 0f 2008 by forcing the UK to enact a serious plan and examine the UK’s carbon footprint as a whole.”

In a tweet, the former Green Party Leader said it was a privilege to have made the list.

She wrote: “Wow, what an honour, with the company of so many fantastic women activists, educators and campaigners and doers.

“Huge congratulations to everyone on the list – it’s just so inspiring.

“And to my amazing staff and team who go above and beyond every single day – thank you.

“None of it would be possible without all your brilliant work.”

Listeners of the programme were invited to nominate women for the Power List, which also includes Extinction Rebellion co-founder Gail Bradbrook and 18-year-old Mya-Rose, founder of Black2Nature, which campaigns for equal access to nature for visibly minority ethnic people.

The final list was decided by a judging panel led by journalist Lucy Siegle, horticulturalist and garden designer, Flo Headlam, climate and energy researcher Professor Alice Larkin, environmental campaign Zunaira Malik, and Chair of the Environment Agency, Emma Howard Body.

Everyone on the list is based in the UK and falls into one of five categories: Decision-makers, Innovators, Communicators, Campaigners and Volunteers.