Linda Gilroy is marking the return of Parliament following the summer recess with an increased presence online. 

The MP – who has recently been selected to fight the new Plymouth Sutton & Devonport Constituency – has launched a new website, including a blog, together with a profile on the social networking site Facebook.  

The website (www.lindagilroy.org.uk) not only keeps constituents up-to-date with news, information and photographs, but also allows them to feedback their views through interactive discussions and opinion polls.  In time, Linda hopes it will expand to include policy details, local information and videos.

Linda is not alone in having a profile on Facebook (www.facebook.com) – an estimated 34 million other users have joined the phenomenon since it was launched in 2004.  The ability to organise events, create social groups and publicise campaigns makes it a particularly important resource for politicians.  

Linda Gilroy says “Back when I was first elected in 1997, I was one of the few MPs to have my own website. Technology has developed since then and I am pleased to have been able to keep updating the site and to now also invite views and comments from constituents through Facebook”.  

She added “I’m particularly excited to have my own blog. It will be a really useful tool for constituents to keep track of my longer-running campaigns – such as the dockyard and water charges. They’ll be able to read my comments and analysis and, in turn, I’ll be able to read what they think”. 

In another development this month, Linda welcomes a new member of staff. Jeremy Olver, 25, originally hails from Bath and previously worked as a civil servant in Exeter.  He’ll head up the London office, working alongside Janet in Plymouth, and a small team of hard working staff and enthusiastic volunteers in London and Plymouth.

5 October 2007