An academic from The University of Manchester has been shortlisted for one of Britain's most prestigious awards for political writing after publishing a deeply personal account of his experiences of hidden homelessness as a teenager.
Dr Andrew Seaton, a History researcher at the University, has been shortlisted for the 2026 Orwell Prize for Reporting Homelessness for his article The Shame of Britain's Hidden Homeless, which was published in The New Statesman.
The article combined data and analysis on the scale of hidden homelessness in Britain with Dr Seaton's own experiences of housing insecurity as a young person, including the impact it had on his education and wellbeing. The Orwell Prize judges praised the article for blending rigorous reporting with personal testimony.
Sarah O'Connor, judge for The Orwell Prize for Reporting Homelessness 2026, said: "Andrew's piece was data heavy, rich with facts and explanation about hidden homelessness, but what really stood out to us was the way in which Andrew talked about his own experience of being part of that story, of being homeless as a young person, and all the effects which that had on him and his education - and how he ultimately overcame them."
Dr Seaton's research and writing focuses on inequality, welfare, medicine and the environment, with particular interests in using lived experiences in the past to inform our present. His Orwell Prize nomination places him alongside journalists from national organisations including the BBC, The Daily Mail and The Big Issue.
"It's amazing to be shortlisted alongside these wonderful writers for a prize that draws attention to homelessness," said Andrew.
The Orwell Prize for Reporting Homelessness was established to champion journalism that sheds light on one of Britain's most enduring social challenges. The prize recognises reporting that is person-centred, data-driven or policy-focused.
Chair of judges Michael Gove said: "The Orwell Prize attracts some of the most powerful and most exciting journalism being produced in Britain today. Homelessness is a huge social evil, but it has also inspired some great reporting and fantastic analysis. It has been a joy to spend time both with this work and with my fellow judges, who have brought a huge amount of passion and authority to the business of sifting some brilliant entries."
The Orwell Foundation, which runs the awards, promotes the values associated with George Orwell's writing, including integrity, courage and fidelity to truth.
The winners of the 2026 Orwell Prizes will be announced on 25 June at the Bloomsbury Theatre in London.
