And the award for Backbencher of the Year goes to...

Byline: Ian HERNON

FORGET the Oscars. The most eagerly awaited award at Westminster is this column's Merseyside Backbencher of the Year.

The city-region's ministers - Jane Kennedy, Shaun Woodward and the Eagle twins - are excluded because they already receive well-deserved attention and recognition.

This award is intended to celebrate the unsung heroes who beaver away on behalf of their constituents. And over the last 12 months they have certainly been busy beavers.

Riverside's Louise Ellman has continued to work tirelessly to secure belated justice for Michael Shields and his family. Her new role as chairman of the transport select committee has boosted her efforts to improve train services and cut road carnage.

Walton's Peter Kilfoyle has been embroiled in the controversial plan to move the Everton stadium and has continued to castigate the government over the north-south divide and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Crosby's Claire Curtis-Thomas was at the forefront of a failed bid to reduce the time limit for legal abortions, but won concessions over stem cell research and embryology.

Southport's John Pugh, the region's only Liberal Democrat MP, has helped produce hard-hitting reports from the public accounts committee questioning the government's record in every big-spending department.

West Derby's Bob Wareing, deselected as Labour MP at the next election, has focused on local hospitals and schools, gang warfare and student fees.

St Helens North's Dave Watts has proved an efficient government whip while safeguarding the rights of constituents.

Birkenhead's Frank Field led the successful revolt against the abolition of the 10p income tax band, forcing concessions to reimburse millions of low-paid workers.

Wirral South's Ben Chapman has campaigned for local colleges, schools and playing fields, and against anti-social behaviour and waste disposal projects in residential neighbourhoods.

Wirral West's Stephen Hesford has concentrated on the local economy and job creation projects.

Knowsley North's George Howard was involved in alleged efforts to oust Gordon Brown before the recession hit, and has worked effectively behind the scenes to resurrect the stalled Mersey tram project.

Knowsley South's Eddie O'Hara lost out in a boundary change battle with his neighbour, but has maintained his reputation as a fair and efficient deputy speaker.

Bootle's Joe Benton, despite a heart condition, has continued his campaign to bring home the illegally deported Dar family.

And the winner is?

Frank Field, not for the first time, for his 10p tax victory which has had a real impact on the wage packets of thousands of Merseyside families.