Rupa Huq MP was announced by Sir Martyn Lewis, Patron of the Patchwork Foundation, announced the winners of the MP of the Year Awards (sponsored by KPMG) at Speakers House on December 5th 2018.

The prestigious awards celebrate the work carried out by Members of Parliament from all parties, with a particular focus on diversity and inclusion, to reward those who encourage participation from underrepresented groups in society, and recognises those whose work has had a positive impact on diverse communities across the UK.

Rupa, recipient of the Judge’s Certificate, said “I consider it to be a huge honour and privilege to be an MP, having been elected in 2015 to represent my home seat of Ealing Central and Acton. Despite the fact that MPs are held in about the same esteem as used car salespersons in the trustworthiness stakes, I consider it the best job in the world to stand up for your constituents and change things for the better. It’s the only one where you can face up to a Prime Minister and tell them that their policies are not good enough, or praise them if need be.

“After 3 years in the job I’m hugely honoured to have been shortlisted for MP of the Year by the Patchwork Foundation who I’ve long admired for their amazing work in democratising and demystifying the aura that surrounds the mother of Parliaments, and helping balance the tradition that we all love with the modern ways of any workplace fit for the twenty-first century.”

Hosting the awards at the Speaker’s House, the Rt Hon John Bercow MP said “I am delighted to see the Patchwork Foundation celebrate the fifth anniversary of its prestigious MP of the Year Awards. The Foundation works tirelessly to make politics more accessible to all – and these awards are a great way to celebrate and shout about the work so many of our MPs do to advocate for under-represented communities.”

Farmida Bi, Chair of Trustees for the Patchwork Foundation said “As we celebrate our fifth year of these awards, it is heartening to note that over 100 MPs from across all parties were nominated by members of the public for a range of reasons. The MP of the Year Awards shine a spotlight on those Members of Parliament who go above and beyond to advocate for under-represented communities. Each year more and more MPs are nominated making the job for the judges that much more difficult.

“This unique award is just one way through which we can showcase the tremendous work achieved by our elected officials – work that deserves to be recognised and celebrated. Winners this year have undertaken innovative and necessary efforts to bridge the divide, raise awareness of issues that disproportionately affect minority communities and serve as a voice for those often ignored.”