MPs from across the political spectrum brought their pets in for the Westminster Dog of the Year show – the best day in the Parliamentary calendar
Forget the Budget. Forget the King’s Speech.
The best day on the Parliamentary calendar is finally upon us, as MPs brought their dogs along to compete for one of the most important political gongs going. Left wing pets, right-wingers and centrists were all in the running for the Westminster Dog of the Year – the finest annual tradition that brings MPs and staff together to give much-deserved treats and belly rubs to their four-legged friends.
There were spaniels, Labradors, beagles and a stunning Dalmation on show as Kennel Club judges had a difficult choice to make (more on that later). But one thing that brought politicians from all parties together is that Parliament would be a better place if they could bring their pets in – and it might even lead to kinder laws being passed.
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The most famous political animal in the country – Jennie the Guide Dog, owned by Lib Dem frontbencher Steve Darling – unsurprisingly drew an adoring crowd as she attempted to navigate an obstacle course. Since July last year she’s been arguably the best feature in the Commons, often seen taking a snooze as MPs get their teeth through the big issues of the day.
Mr Darling said: “She does act as a positive bridge. I know that after the really challenging vote in respect of the benefits cuts, I came out of the chamber after that vote and there were three Labour members who were not in the best of places. And Jennie acted as a therapy dog.
“One of them did say the only reason why it’s nice to go to the chamber is because you get to see Jennie.”
And Tory chairman Kevin Hollinrake agreed that Jennie lifts the mood in the Commons. He said: “I mean, dogs in an office are great. They change the whole mood of the place in a good way.”
Mr Hollinrake was there with gorgeous black labrador Zuzu, who is just 11 months old. “On the doorstep she’s just great,” he said about campaigning with her. “And it just breaks the ice for people.”
Sarah Edwards, who brought her 13-year-old Keeshond named Poykee to Parliament for the first time, said: “He thinks it’s great because he’s been given sausages and biscuits and gets to run around the park, so I think he thinks so far it’s excellent.
“I would love to have him on the estate more. I can understand it might be a bit of a challenge, given there’s quite a lot of people, but I’d love to have more animals on the estate if it was possible.”
Asked if this would make legislation would be kinder with more pets around she said: “It might be. I think it’s really nice to have animals around.
“I know there’s a lot of dog owners in Westminster who would love to be able to bring the dogs and have them in the office, so maybe we can petition Mr Speaker and he can think about having more dogs.”
Labour MP David Burton-Sampson was in complete agreement, telling me: “Absolutely. If it’s just one day a week, you know, that would be amazing. I mean, we’ve got to be sensible, you know, it’s a place of work. But many people have pets in place of work.”
With that he was off, as two-year-old Dalmation Lotti spotted something she fancied chasing. And fellow Labour MP Michelle Scrogham, accompanied by beautiful cocker spaniel Charlie, said: “I did lobby Mr Speaker asking could we bring them all in?
“Because Jennie is the biggest risk to me crossing the floor. When there’s another dog in there I do miss him. But imagine if everyone brough them in we’d never get any work done.”
The competition is hosted by the Kennel Club and the Dog’s Trust each year to raise awarness around pet ownership. After weeks of public votes Jennie was named the people’s champion, but the overall award – decided by judges – went to 13-year-old Poykee.
Ms Edwards had told me earlier: “In my maiden speech, I said how much I wanted to enter this competition. So fingers crossed that he impresses the judges because he’s quite a character.”
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