WAKEFIELD MP David Hinchliffe has been shortlisted for the Backbencher of the Year award.
The annual awards for MPs are organised by Parliament's own maga- zine, The House.
The award is decided by a secret ballot of MPs, who will name the most effective backbench member of the Commons over the last year.
Labour MP Mr Hinchliffe chairs the Commons Health Select Committee and is nominated for its work on obesity and sexual health.
He is joined on the shortlist by Gisela Stuart (Lab, Edgbaston), an active campaigner on issues including the European Union constitution, Labour MP Dr Ian Gibson (Norwich North), who helped lead opposition to student top-up fees, and Bob Marshall-Andrews (Lab, Medway), an outspoken critic of the war in Iraq.
Mr Hinchliffe - whose constituency covers Kirkburton and Denby Dale - said: "I am delighted to have received considerable support from Parliamentary colleagues in the award process.
"This nomination is a tribute to the work of all the members of the health committee. I am very fortunate in having the support of excellent colleagues and committee staff."
The results will be announced next Wednesday night.
