Is it any surprise that national treasure, Sir David Attenborough has has topped the list of ‘ethical champions’ Brits want to see on the next £20 pound note? The broadcaster and naturalist fought off competition to receive a staggering number of votes.
The research, conducted by YouGov on behalf of Good Money Week, showed that 40 per cent of the 2,128 people who were asked, said Sir David was their first choice.
The 91-year-old who grew up in Leicester beat off competition from the likes of Richard Branson, Stella McCartney, Jamie Oliver and even Prince Charles, who came in second place with just 7 per cent of the votes.
The poll, conducted in September 2017, asked participants to name an individual they most wanted to feature on the new bank note from a list of 15 “ethical champions” who would “remind the public to be ethical in how they spend their money”.
Charlene Cranny, programme manager at the UK Sustainable Investment and Finance Association (UKSIF), said: “It’s no surprise that Sir David Attenborough came out top in this poll.
“With his endless conservation work, he would act as a constant reminder to the public to make ‘ethical’ money choices, which is what Good Money Week – now in its tenth year – aims to do.
“It’s particularly important this year as the workplace pension comes into full force and millions of pounds could be chosen to be invested ethically if people were aware of their choices.”
A new version of the £20 note is due to come into circulation in 2020. Artist JMW Rurner, one of Britain’s greatest painters, will actually be the face of the note following a nationwide vote last year but Good Money Week is now supporting a petition to get The Bank of England to rethink their choice and use Sir David’s much loved image instead.
