Clacton and Harwich’s Tory MP has been singled out for a political award.

Readers of the political magazine, the Spectator, have named MP Douglas Carswell, left, as their Parliamentarian of the Year.

Mr Carswell has been presented with his award by London mayor Boris Johnson, at a glitzy bash held at Claridge’s Hotel in the capital.

Mr Carswell said he was especially pleased as this was the only Spectator award which was voted for by the public.

It follows a busy year for the MP, who led calls for Commons Speaker Michael Martin to step down over his handling of the MPs’ expenses scandal.

Mr Carswell said: “I would like to say a big thank you to my constituents. It was local people who encouraged me to take on the Speaker, and start the process of change Westminster so urgently needs.”