Member News
A new iPhone application that connects voters with their MP has proved popular in Derek Wyatt's constituency.
The member for Sittingbourne and Sheppey is the first to use MyMP.
He told ePolitix.com that more than 5,000 people have downloaded the free app, which was designed by public sector digital agency Public Zone.
It's the first iPhone app to be developed by a serving MP anywhere in the world, and has already been a hit with voters.
Wyatt has received hundreds of messages from locals via the app and he is hopeful that many other MPs will use it too.
The app allows people to give their views on local and national issues as well as watching and taking part in discussions between the MP and others.
There is also information on surgery times and Wyatt's activities in the constituency.
At a launch event for the app today, Wyatt said at least 25 MPs have expressed an interest, though the £2,000 cost means he is the only one to have launched himself on the iPhone so far.
He said he is very impressed with the sheer volume of messages he has received, and believes the ease of use is a major factor in its success.
"Now people can alert me in real time to any issues that I need to address, and they don't have to visit my website to find out what I’m doing," Wyatt said.
"This is a new way to encourage people who might not be particularly engaged in technology or politics to get involved.
"I believe this is the way of the future and hope other MPs will follow suit."
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