Who made the biggest difference on the political scene this year? Who had the most profound impact on the direction of the country? Who was the biggest surprise or became one of the big players?

All week, Power & Politics with Evan Solomon counted down the Top 5 political game changers of 2011 as voted by Power & Politics viewers and listeners of CBC Radio's The House.

Based on those nominations, Power & Politics profiled Alberta Premier Alison Redford, Interim Liberal Leader Bob Rae, the Arab Spring and the Conservatives' majority election win.

Friday, Power & Politics revealed the number 1 political game changer.

It is former NDP leader Jack Layton.

Layton's widow Olivia Chow and son Mike Layton spoke with Evan Solomon about Jack Layton's lasting legacy. View that interview at the top of this page. The House aired an interview with Chow and Anne McGrath, chief of staff to Layton and to current NDP Interim Leader Nycole Turmel.

Here are the rest of the political game changers for 2011: