Dwyfor Meirionnydd MP Liz Saville Roberts has been named MP of the year by diversity and inclusion charity, the Patchwork Foundation.

The Plaid Cymru MP received the award this evening.

She has been recognised for her regional work championing the rights of young women.

Liz Saville Roberts was first elected to the House of Commons in May 2015 and is Plaid Cymru’s first female MP and leader of the group in Westminster.

The Patchwork Foundation honours a handful of MPs voted on by an independent panel of judges.

The annual MP of the Year award runs on an annual basis and works to recognise MPs in their work to support disadvantaged communities. This year the awards were held virtually.

Commenting on the award Mrs Saville Roberts said: “I am truly proud to accept this award because its stated values are the measuring stick against which the priorities of all MPs should be judged.

“Every generation of politicians carries the responsibility to champion the values of equality and justice in politics. Those people who shout loudest already have a voice – so representatives should seek out those whose voice goes unheard.

“Tolerance and inclusivity are easy among people we agree with, so we should seek out conversation with people with whom we have yet to agree.

“Too often, Westminster can seem detached: pantomime characters playing out a privileged on-screen drama utterly removed from the challenges and opportunities of the real world.’

“As a constituency MP, I see it as my duty to make the link between the theatre of Westminster and show how its storylines shape the realities of our daily lives.

“It is an immeasurable privilege to work on behalf of the people of Dwyfor Meirionnydd, championing local causes as well as engaging on behalf of local people with the great challenges of our time, and ensuring that the interests of those who live and work here are respected in Westminster.”

Imran Sanaullah, CEO, Patchwork Foundation said: “I am grateful to all our winners for taking the time to be a part of tonight’s ceremony.

“Now more than ever these awards are an important reminder that our democracy relies on diversity of thought and ensuring Parliament and civil society evolves to be more inclusive.

“We’re proud of the work we do at the Patchwork Foundation to educate young people in how their democracy works, and we look forward to help continue to provide the tools and skills.”