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Parliament websites go to the polls
How 'web 2.0' are MPs?

By Tim Ferguson

Published: Friday 20 June 2008

Parliament and politicians are increasingly making use of the web but it's now the public's turn to have a say on which MP has the best website.

The British Computer Society (BCS) has launched a search to find the best MP website in terms of design, engagement and accessibility.

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The BCS says the best sites will excite and inform constituents while being easy to navigate and make effective use of web 2.0 technology such as blogs, instant messaging, podcasts and video.

Users are invited to send their views to the award judges - which include political commentators and journalists - to help decide which websites best fit the criteria.

David Clarke, BCS CEO, said the awards are intended to encourage MPs to engage both young and old constituents in a "dynamic and exciting manner" through the internet.

He added he hopes MPs have taken notice of last year's awards and made an effort to improve what they offer online.

Last year's winners included health minister Alan Johnson MP and this year's winners will be announced in November.

You can find out more details on the BCS website.