The top ten most powerful women in Britain revealed

Queen Elizabeth came first, and was followed by Santander boss Ana Botin, Supreme Court judge Baroness Brenda Hale, Home Secretary Theresa May, and businesswoman Elisabeth Murdoch.

A judging panel including journalist Eve Pollard, Conservative MP Priti Patel, Labour peer Oona King and crime novelist Val McDermid compiled the list, reports the Mail Online. 

Pollard explained how the decisions were made.  "We thought we should look for power in the way that you would look for power in powerful men; hard power," she said.

There were some notable omissions, including the Duchess of Cambridge, who while indisputably influential, was not thought to be powerful enough to make the list, added Pollard.

Jessica Ennis was also not included, but sports presenter Clare Balding made the list, 

Woman’s Hour editor Alice Feinstein said: "The Power List is about more than just a series of names.' 'We wanted to start a conversation about women and power."

The top ten is as follows:

Her Majesty The Queen

Rt Hon Theresa May MP (Home Secretary)

Ana Botin (CEO, Santander UK)

Baroness Brenda Hale of Richmond (Supreme Court judge)

Elisabeth Murdoch (chairman, Shine Group)

Professor Dame Sally Davies (Chief Medical Officer)

Justine Roberts and Carrie Longton (co-founders, Mumsnet)

Lady Justice Hallett (Appeal Court judge)Angela Ahrendts (CEO, Burberry)

Dame Gail Rebuck (chairman and CEO, The Random House Group)