THORNBURY and Yate MP Steve Webb is encouraging his constituents to apply for a new scheme which aims to involve more people from different backgrounds in politics.

The Liberal Democrat MP is supporting the cross-party Speaker's Parliamentary Placements scheme which is offering 12 paid internships at Westminster.

It follows several studies which have shown unpaid parliamentary internships are not an option for those on a low income or those not based in London.

Said Mr Webb: "I am delighted to see the launch of the Speaker's Parliamentary Placements scheme.

"It is a great programme that will open up internships in Parliament to people from different backgrounds, and takes an important first step in making our politics more representative of the British people.

"I hope that people across Thornbury & Yate who are passionate about politics will consider applying."

Applications can be made on the Social Mobility Foundation's website at www.socialmobility.org.uk