Cambridge MP Julian Huppert is presented the Liberal Democrat Backbencher of the Year award by leader of the House of Commons, Sir George Young, after being voted for the accolade by readers of Asian Voice magazine.

CITY MP Julian Huppert has got the Asian vote by being awarded the title Liberal Democrat Backbencher of the year.

The MP for Cambridge was handed the accolade by the magazine Asian Voice after its readers cast their votes in the publication’s annual political and public life awards.

Asian Voice - which launched 35 years ago to forge links between British and Asian communities - reported: “Julian Huppert has quickly established himself as one of the most refreshing and exciting MPs to have been elected in the last General Election.”

Dr Huppert said: “I am delighted to receive this highly prized award from such a prestigious magazine. I thank the readers of Asian Voice for their encouragement.”

The city MP is riding high having also clinched the Brake and Direct Line’s Parlimentarian of the Month award for his work to promote safe cycling.

While cyclist deaths and road casualities are generally on the decline, injuries to cyclists are on the rise with 2,606 recorded in 2009 - up six per cent from the previous year.

A keen cyclist himself, Dr Huppert is a long standing member of the Cambridge Cycle Campaign.

In October he wrote a letter to Norman Baker, the under-secretary of state for transport, asking for the Government’s reassurance that the cycle proficiency scheme, Bikeability, will continue to be funded despite wider transport cuts.

The MP is recorded as asking 13 questions in parliament on the topic of cycle safety in October and November.