Epsom and Ewell’s Chris Grayling was crowned Conservative MP of the year on Monday night for his work with deprived and minority communities.

Patchwork Foundation, which aims to integrate marginalised communities into politics, organised the awards and Commons Speaker John Bercow announced the winners at the Speaker’s House.

Mr Grayling said: "It is a real pleasure to be given this award. I believe we have to do as much as possible to involve young people from minority backgrounds in the political process and other parts of public life."

Chesham Town Conservative Councillor Rabia Bhatti, who nominated him, said: "Chris Grayling is not only a political figure but also a very inspirational one.

"His work and dedication to get more young people and especially those from deprived backgrounds into politics is outstanding and over the years has given much hope to the younger generation including myself.

"I think Conservative MP of the Year is a well deserved award to mark the exceptional works of such an exemplary role model."

MPs were judged on their work with the faith, ethnic, sexual orientation and deprived communities as well as those traditionally excluded from the political process.

Today the MP, who has a huge workload as the justice minister, responsible for 76,000 staff and dealing with highly contentious issues such as the legal aid budget and whole life sentences, was hosting a group of people with learning disabilities from the Sunnybank Trust in Epsom who are visiting the House of Commons.