A Labour MP is set to boost online democracy by holding a surgery for constituents on the internet.

John Healey's Wentworth constituents are being invited to take part in a trial that will test how the internet can improve contact between MPs and the public.

Marking a change from the usual practice that sees MP websites offering email exchanges or online contact forms, Friday's pilot scheme will include real-time online interaction between Healey and his constituents.

Sophisticated customer service technology has been adapted for the experiment, allowing constituents to ask questions and discuss their problems directly with the MP in a secure, one to one live meeting on the internet.

"Being a local MP is about having as much contact with local people as possible, helping with problems and discussing issues," said Healey.

"Email and online surgeries are becoming vital tools in this relationship, and I am very excited to be participating in this trial."

The pilot is being supported by the Hansard Society and the education department's "wired-up communities" initiative. It aims to explore how new technologies can be used to increase political engagement and make it easier for people to access their representatives.

"MP surgeries are traditionally held during the day when many people find it difficult to attend and others may find it hard to discuss sensitive issues face to face with their MP," said the Hansard Society's Mark Rickard.

"The addition of online surgeries could potentially offer many benefits for constituents but we need to test them out and see how these innovations can work in practice."