AN MP's road safety campaigning has led to him being named the first Parliamentarian of the Month for 2016.

Greg Mulholland was given the accolade by the road safety charity Brake and the Direct Line group, in recognition of his work in fighting for improved justice for the families of people killed in crashes by criminal driving.

Mr Mulholland (Lib Dem, Leeds North West) presented his Criminal Driving (Justice for Victims) Private Members' Bill in the House of Commons on January 12. It was backed by 31 MPs and will next be heard on March 11.

The MP was spurred into action by the cases of two families in his constituency and dozens more across the UK who feel badly let down by lenient sentences sometimes given to killer drivers.

"I want to pay tribute to the campaigning of families who have lost loved ones due to criminal driving," said Mr Mulholland. "I want to keep campaigning for better justice for victims of criminal drivers and do all I can to ensure government takes up the measures in my Criminal Driving Bill.

"I also want to thank Brake and its staff for the support they have given to this vital campaign and I look forward to continuing to work with them."

Gary Rae, of Brake, said: "Greg Mulholland's tireless campaigning for more robust investigations, stronger charges and tougher sentences is giving hope to these families."