NORTH Wiltshire independent candidate Simon Killane is one of those to have backed a pre-election campaign aiming to give constituents more of a say on the big issues in Parliament.

The MyMP campaign is calling for MPs to sign a pledge promising to give their constituents the power to decide how they vote in Parliament.

It is demanding that every MP elected on May 7 signs up to the three-point pledge which states they seek and listen to everyone's opinion on all parliamentary votes; provide transparency on all resources received and spent; and survey constituents on key parliamentary decisions - and vote accordingly.

MyMP founder Richard Wilson said: "In today's internet age it makes no sense to vote just once every five years. Everybody knows the current democratic system is outdated and lacks credibility with voters. So what's essential is the task of seeking to update our democracy. If we don't seek to update it, then democracy's decay is inevitable."

Fashion designer Katharine Hamnett has launched her own campaign in the Hackney North constituency, calling on local residents to join the movement.

She said: "We are asking all political candidates, if they want our vote at the general election, to sign a pledge that, if elected, they will vote with their constituents and if necessary defy the party whips.

"It's time our politicians represented us; this is what we pay them to do."

Phil Ireland, head of electoral participation at campaigning group 38 Degrees, added: "In liberal democracies across the world, people feel disconnected from their elected representatives and democratic processes.

"MyMP is a bold new proposal that seeks to utilise accessible digital tools to reinvigorate the engagement of voters and enhance civic participation."

Among those who have already signed the MyMP pledge are independent candidates Simon Killane, North Wiltshire; Dawn Parry, Bristol West; Suzie Ferguson, Reading West; and Rich Wilson, Stroud.

Zac Goldsmith, MP for Richmond Park & North Kingston, who supports the campaign, said: "Updating our parliamentary democracy for the 21st century is one of the most pressing and important challenges we face today. The MyMP campaign is an important contribution to that."

For more information on the campaign, visit mymp2015.org.uk