To be the best you have to be able to offer something others cannot. Many that are paraded as the best offer the same as each other, same big ticket records, same backward looking outlook to the scene or scenes.
But at the end of the day it is a very subjective topic and really many don't look at what a Dj has to offer or what they have contributed to the scene. By that I mean moving things forward, keeping it fresh. I know that has got more and more difficult over recent years.
Colin, the first mentioned, a great DJ and one of the most innovative, his contribution cannot be questioned across the many facets of the UK Soul scene. Richard Searling is right up there, not just for his contribution at Wigan etc but for his 80s and 90s soul. If I was to look at the Northern scene post Wigan then it has to be Butch, Andy Dyson too in the last couple of decades or so, not just for what he has played but what he has supplied others. although there have been others in spells too who have all contributed, Guy Hennigan, Keb, Dave Thorley, Ady Croasdell etc etc.
We are of course looking at this from a very insular perspective. There are other underground scenes where they too would have a very insular opinion.
It is impossible really to suggest the best Dj without prejudice?
Yes we have our favourites but that is a different discussion altogether.