Voters, the media and politicians are being canvassed on their opinions about the reasons why the public is disillusioned by politics.

The Puttnam commission on "parliament in the public eye" is calling for evidence on the relationship between MPs and the public.

The commission is particularly looking at the role played by the media in communicating parliamentary democracy.

The call for evidence follows last week’s findings by the Electoral Commission and Hansard Society that only a third of the population feel they know a great deal or a fair amount about parliament and only 36 per cent are satisfied or fairly satisfied with the way Parliament works.

The commission is investigating parliament’s communications strategy and accessibility.

They are also probing the media's presentation of parliament, what the place of parliament should be in wider political coverage and the influence of the media in shaping public perceptions of parliament.

The commission wants to know what place parliament should have in public service broadcasting and citizenship education.

Speaking on Tuesday Lord Puttnam, chairman of the commission, said: "Both Parliament and the media must respond to the apparent crisis in public trust if we are to preserve and strengthen our parliamentary democracy.

"The commission hopes to make recommendations on how parliament communicates, what parliament does and the role the media can play in reporting parliamentary life.

"At the heart of our work will be the evidence and opinions of a wide cross-section of individuals and organisations.

"I would encourage everyone prepared to offer fresh and, if needs be, radical thinking on these matters to contact us."