Sevenoaks MP Michael Fallon has been voted Parliamentarian of the Year in an online poll run by ConservativeHome which attracted votes from 8,000 people.

A member of the treasury Select Commmittee, Michael has been a vigorous critic of the Government¹s handling of the Northern Rock crisis and the arrangements for supervision of the financial system instituted by Gordon Brown shortly after he became Chancellor.

Michael has also argued strongly for the Conservatives to take a stronger line on the growth of public spending. He backed ConservativeHome¹s campaign for greater expenditure restraint.  He has also contributed to ConservativeHome¹s pages to question the wisdom of Tory and Labour approaches to the taxation of non-doms

The thousands of Conservatives who voted for Michael are not the only ones to notice his talents. He has received high praise from many savvy media commentators. You can read the Political Editor of the Daily Mail, Benedict Brogan¹s analysis of Michael¹s skills on this website.

Sevenoaks Conservative Association Chairman, Mike Broomby said of Michael¹s win: "I am sure all our members will share my delight at Michael being chosen Parliamentarian of the year. It¹s a worthy accolade for his activities.  Sevenoaks is fortunate to have such an able Member of Parliament."

Michael was shortlisted on 30th April (2008) by The House magazine (the parliamentary weekly) for its Backbencher of the Year award - one who has been 'the most effective backbencher'.  The citation reads : 'Pertinent and dogged in the Chamber and in committee'.