A TEESSIDE MP has won a national award.

James Wharton, Conservative MP for Stockton South, won the Dods Rising Star award, partly for gaining a national profile for his bill to eventually force a referendum on Britain’s members of the EU.

The Dods are a new award but have combined three previous, long-standing parliamentary awards. A vote of all MPs was held and a cross-party judging panel decided on the shortlist.

Other winners included Lord Nigel Lawson, Conservative, for lifetime achievement and Margaret Hodge, Labour, as best committee member.

Mr Wharton said: “I am delighted to have won this important award. Last year was a hectic year but throughout I ensured my first priority has always been being a good MP for Stockton South. With so many local issues to deal with it has been a busy time but I hope I have been able to help our area and do some good for Teesside.”