Dover and Deal MP Charlie Elphicke has collected the top prize for being the best Member of Parliament for using the web for engaging with constituents.

Mr Elphicke was a finalist in two categories, but was named as overall winner in the MP Web Awards organised by BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT.

He collected his award at an event at the House of Commons, hosted by the Alun Michael MP.

Elizabeth Sparrow, President of BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, along with presenter and journalist Kate Russell presented the award.

Every MP was automatically entered into the competition which was judged by an independent panel of guest judges featuring Quentin Letts of the Daily Mail, Mark Say, editor of Government Computing, Matthew Windle, a member of Youth Parliament and Rachel Gibson, Professor of Political Science at the University of Manchester.

BCS chief executive David Clarke said: “I’d like to extend my congratulations to Charlie and all the winners this year. Once again, our MP Web Awards have produced an interesting snapshot of the best use of web technology by MPs today.

“We know from our research into IT and life satisfaction that the kinds of facilities MPs are putting on the web can help make their constituents feel happier and more empowered.

“People want to be involved and will use these kinds of tools so MPs who take advantage of web technologies have a real opportunity to create a personal conversation with their constituents.“

Charlie Elphicke said of winning the award: “It’s a great honour to receive this award. In the new politics, it’s really important for MPs to work ever harder to be approachable and keep in touch. Using the Internet and social media to have a continuing conversation with electors makes a huge difference.”

Mr Elphicke was a finalist in the usability and engagement categories, but won the overall title ahead of fellow finalists Rachel Reeves and George Freeman.