Constituents in East Dunbartonshire can keep up with the work Jo Swinson MP is doing over Westminster’s summer recess by downloading a free new app called MyMP.
Jo Swinson is one of a growing number of MPs using the innovative app which allows constituents to keep up to date with her work. At the touch of a button, constituents can see where Jo is out and about in East Dunbartonshire, be updated on local news, and find out the dates and locations of surgeries.
East Dunbartonshire residents can download the app for free through the app store on an iPhone or via iTunes on a desktop. As well as keeping constituents in touch with Jo’s work, the app also offers a way for constituents to provide their views on local issues, and to find out how to contact their MP.
Commenting, Jo Swinson said:
“Despite Parliament being in recess work still goes on in the constituency. The latest technology offers fantastic new ways for MPs to connect with their constituents. I think that we have a duty to embrace these new technologies which help make our work more accessible to the people that we represent.”
Commenting, Jonathan Simmons, Public Zone Managing Director said:
“As representatives, MPs need to utilise all the tools available to them to engage individual constituents. MyMP allows MPs to canvass constituents on the issues they care about.”
Notes:
To download the app for free, visit www.my-mp.org.uk
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.
MPs who have set up their own app since the launch in July:
Danny Alexander, Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey
William Bain, Glasgow North East
Michael Crockart. Edinburgh West
Lindsay Hoyle, Chorley
Julian Huppert, Cambridge
Brandon Lewis, Great Yarmouth
Stephen Lloyd, Eastbourne
Sherryl Murray, South East Cornwall
Simon Reevell, Dewsbury
Andrew Smith, Oxford East
Graham Stuart, Beverley and Holderness
Jo Swinson, East Dunbartonshire
John Woodcock, Barrow and Furness
David Wright, Telford
The app’s main features are:
A simple way for a constituent to contact their MP (email from phone, telephone number, surgery details).
MPs can invite views on key issues. During a trial of the app, Derek Wyatt MP received 50 comments about rural broadband in five days
MPs can represent constituency news on a map.
The app is not-for-profit and will always be free for constituents. The facility is free for all MPs until October, after which a small fee will be applicable to MPs. This is to cover running costs and will not generate profits.
The technology is currently free to MPs who do not need to own an iPhone 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.
About NESTA
NESTA is the UK’s foremost independent expert on how innovation can solve some of the country’s major economic and social challenges. Its work is enabled by an endowment, funded by the National Lottery, and it operates at no cost to the government or taxpayer.
NESTA is a world leader in its field and carries out its work through a blend of experimental programmes, analytical research and investment in early-stage companies. www.nesta.org.uk
About Public Zone
Public Zone is a digital agency specialising in working on socially motivated projects (we work with the BBC on accessibility, Channel 4 on education, The Prostate Cancer Charity, the Department of Health and HMRC, to name a few).
Public Zone’s team members have considerable experience running large scale public engagement projects, including leading user experience work for the BBC, and digital production for Comic Relief, Channel 4 and The Guardian. www.publiczone.co.uk