A researcher working for the Castle Point MP Rebecca Harris has been awarded Conservative Researcher of the Year at the prestigious Dods Parliamentary Researcher of the Year Awards.

Andrew Sheldon, who has worked as a researcher for the Conservative MP for 8 months, was awarded the title in recognition of his work on the Daylight Savings Bill, a proposal that would see the clocks move ahead one hour to achieve better use of sunlight.

In addition to this the award also highlighted his support for Rebecca Harris’ campaign to tackle rogue clampers in the Castle Point constituency.

Now in their 5th year the Dods Researcher of the Year Awards highlight and reward parliamentary and constituency researchers who have helped their MP improve the lives of their constituents.

Researchers were nominated by MPs and their fellow researchers and the winners were selected from a shortlist by a prestigious judging panel including former Liberal Democrat Leader Charles Kennedy MP, Chairman of the Conservative 1922 Committee Graham Brady MP, House Magazine Editor and Labour Politician Gisela Stuart MP and Convenor of Crossbench Peers Baroness D’Souza.

The Dods Researcher of the Year Awards, supported by the Federation of Small Businesses, were held in the Houses of Parliament on Wednesday 16th February and hosted by the Speaker of the House of Commons John Bercow.