Eastbourne MP 'honoured' to win award for work with disadvantaged communities
Eastbourne’s Josh Babarinde has been named ‘New MP of the Year’.
The MP of the Year Awards, run annually by charity Patchwork Foundation, recognises the work of MPs who work with underrepresented and disadvantaged communities across the UK.
The ‘New MP of the Year’ category celebrates the work of new MPs outside the Labour and Conservatives parties.
Mr Babarinde said he was ‘honoured’ to receive the award at a ceremony at Speakers House in the Palace of Westminster.
He said: “I’m proud that my amazing team and I have supported thousands of Eastbournians who have been in touch with me for help, and proud too that the domestic abuse protections I’ve secured in the law will protect hundreds of thousands of victims and survivors into the future.
"Thank you Patchwork for this award, and even bigger thanks to my team of staff and volunteers for all their work over that has made the work that won this award happen.
"Massive thanks to the people of Eastbourne, my wonderful hometown, for all your support.
"It’s a privilege to fight for you in Parliament and at home.”
The awards provide motivation for MPs to work with diverse communities and highlight best practice, according to the Patchwork Foundation.
The charity’s website states: “Our MP of the Year Awards seek to celebrate and recognise those MPs that uphold the ethos and values of the Foundation; to champion underrepresented, minority or disadvantaged communities in the UK.
"The winners are chosen by an independent panel of judges who blind judge the nominees by considering the work and accolades of the selected MPs.”