COLCHESTER’S MP Bob Russell took part in more Commons votes than any other opposition MP in the past year.

Figures show the Lib Dem member was present for 86 per cent of Parliamentary votes between December 3, 2008, and November 12, 2009 – the ninth time he has topped the voting list.

His “yeas” and “nays” over the past year have included votes on issues as diverse as the creation of a West Midlands Regional Grand Committee, EU-Russia relations, and Bills relating on local government in Manchester, Canterbury and Bournemouth.

Mr Russell said: “Members are elected to represent their constituents as well as to serve in the Parliament of this country.

“You could say lots of these things don’t represent your constituents, but MPs should also be voting on national issues.

“It’s not my job to pick and choose. Otherwise, the only MPs who would vote on local issues would be the MPs in that area.”

Bernard Jenkin, Tory MP for North Essex, took part in 63 per cent of votes, while Harwich Tory Douglas Carswell was in the House for just half the votes which were held.

Commenting on the difference between his record and Mr Russell’s, Mr Jenkin said: “It is of no concern to me at all.

“Just because you do it often, does not necessarily mean you are any good at it. What you vote on is much more important than how often you vote.

“The job of an MP is to represent their constituency and national interests. It is for Mr Russell to explain why he thinks the West Midlands Regional Grand Committee is a national interest.”

Mr Carswell, agreed with his Tory colleague, saying: “It is how you vote, not how often you vote that matters. It is about being effective.

“I am not going to criticise Bob. If he wants to claim he voted on the creation of a quango in the West Midlands, that is up to him.”

Much of what went on the Commons was not relevant to the lives of ordinary people, he added, explaining: “Often, MPs are debating votes which are designed to make politicians feel important.”

Tory party chairman, Brentwood and Ongar MP Eric Pickles, tied with Harlow Labour member Bill Rammell tied as Essex’s least frequent voters, each taking part in just 39 per cent of the votes.