DAVID HEATH NOMINATED AS 'BEST BACKBENCHER' MP IN PRESTIGIOUS AWARDS

4.27.23pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 9th Jun 2008

Somerton & Frome MP David Heath has been shortlisted in the category of 'Best Backbencher' in the forthcoming The House Magazine Parliamentary Awards, for demonstrating 'sharp debating skills in the Chamber'. This is the 6th time he has been nominated for the award during his eleven years in Parliament, although as voting generally occurs along political lines, he has not won it.

There are four MPs on the shortlist. In addition to Liberal Democrat David Heath, also nominated are Labour MPs Anne Snelgrove and Rob Marris, and Conservative MP Michael Fallon.

This award reflects the commitment David Heath has, and the effort he puts into being an effective Member of Parliament for Somerton & Frome.

Somerton & Frome is one of the largest constituencies in terms of land area, but despite this David Heath undertakes on average two surgeries a week, has a packed constituency diary, and is actively involved in the local community.

In addition to his constituency work, David Heath is very committed to his role as a Parliamentarian and regularly stands up in the House to speak on issues that affect his constituents.

David Heath is also one of the top attendees in the Commons votes, during the last year session he took part in 80% of votes that affect us, and spoken 78 times. Both of these are well above the average amongst MPs. (source www.theyworkforyou.com <http://www.theyworkforyou.com/> )

David Heath, on hearing of the nomination, said:

"I am honoured to have been nominated by my colleagues for this award. I am proud to represent the people of Somerton & Frome and I take my Parliamentary responsibilities very seriously. By asking the right questions and raising issues in debates I can often get action on the issues that matter to local people."