Want an MP in your pocket?

As a new wave of MPs tweet and text their way through Whitehall, digital democracy is taking a leap forward with the launch of a free app for iPhones which allows constituents to get closer to their local MP.

The new app called MyMP is developed by Public Zone and NESTA.

MyMP aims to create better dialogue between MP's and the public. At the touch of a button, constituents can now provide their MP with their views on local issues, email their MP, read about what their MP has been doing, and keep up with news in their local area, all of which help make the work of MP's more accessible.

After a successful trial of the app with Derek Wyatt MP in January of this year all MP's are being encouraged to sign up. MyMP has received cross-party support from new MP's elected in the May 2010 election including: Mike Crockart, Liberal Democrat MP for Edinburgh West; Jo Swinson, Liberal Democrat MP for East Dumbartonshire; John Woodcock, Labour MP for Barrow and Furness and Brandon Lewis, Conservative MP for Great Yarmouth.

Constituents can download the app for free and the technology is also currently free to MPs who do not need to own an i-phone in order to use the app. MP's simply need to download information through a personalised website created for them by Public Zone, which is then transmitted to the app.

NESTA research shows that the public have an appetite for improved online engagement. A recent survey of 2,550 people showed that 40 per cent of people would like more opportunity to interact online with politicians and political parties, rising to 60 per cent for 18-24 year olds.

To download the app for free and find out more information visit,

www.my-mp.org.uk