A Sussex politician has written a guide on how to inflict maximum damage to the Government and be a good campaigning MP.

In an article for Parliament's 'House' magazine, Lewes MP Norman Baker offers tips on how to force admissions from ministers.

Mr Baker, who asked the question leading to the resignation of Peter Mandelson, said: "What is the point of being elected, only to sit on the backbenches and do nothing?"

In the article, published in The House magazine, he lists the "weapons" MPs can use to hold the Government to account.

He said private approaches to Ministers, tabling Parliamentary Bills, asking questions and tabling Early Day Motions can be effective.

He said: "The best written questions ask for information a minister will find it difficult to avoid giving - how many, on what date, what was the cost?

"It helps, of course, to be reasonably certain of the answer before you ask the question."

Mr Baker warns that crusading MPs can find themselves less popular than those who sit quietly on the backbenches.

He said: "There is a certain sense in which campaigning is frowned upon in the House, even if it pleases your constituents and the media.

"There are worse things to be called than a campaigning MP."