News story

16th July 2004

Local MP "Commended" in National Awards

Northavon MP Steve Webb has been commended by the judges at an awards ceremony held in London last night (Thursday 15th), focusing on the use of new technology to improve public life. The MP was praised for his website and service of consulting nearly 3,000 constituents on a regular basis for their views on a range of topical issues. The award ceremony was organised by the New Statesman magazine and was hosted by Jenni Murray from BBC Radio, with awards being presented by Cabinet Minister, Peter Hain MP. The overall winner of the "elected representative" category was West Bromwich MP Tom Watson whose on line web log or "blog" provides a diary of information and comment which is regularly updated. Steve Webb was the only other MP to be "commended" in this category, which was open to all MPs, MEPs and local councillors across Britain.

Commenting after the awards, Steve Webb said:

"It is flattering to be recognised in a national award like this, but my most important judges are the people that I represent. Using e-mail is just one of the ways that I try to be accessible to local people, and I hope that many more will visit the website and join the consultation group. But I recognise that it is also vitally important to be available to be people who do not use modern technology, and I am committed to doing that as well".

Note to editors: The New Statesman New Media Awards 2004 "aim to reward those who have recognised the potential of the new media technology.. to deliver real benefits for a target community". Other award categories were for primary and secondary schools, for community service, for modernisation of government and for 'civic renewal'.