MPs get ‘paw-ty’ political to smell out prime pups at Westminster Dog of the Year
You might think Westminster has gone to the dogs. But what about the pooches on the prowl through the corridors of power? Our top political puppers held their annual ruff-erendum this week at the Westminster Dog of the Year competition, organised by the Royal Kennel Club and Dogs Trust. Here Meg Jorsh meets the contenders for Best In Show…
There’s no doubt about it. Misty and Murphy are very good dogs indeed. They tick all the right boxes in terms of things like soft ears, joyful expressions and scant regard for personal space.
But where do they stand on the political spectrum? They’re Labour through and through, according to their owner – who just happens to be Melanie Onn, the Labour MP for Great Grimsby and Cleethorpes.
Melanie Onn with Misty and Murphy(Image: Humphrey Nemar/daily mirror)
The massive Golden Retrievers are her constant companions, whenever she’s not in the Houses of Parliament. “They’re pretty well-known in my constituency and in this area as well,” she says. “Everyone who drinks in the pubs around here is stunned to see such big dogs in the centre of London.”
As pets go, she admits they’re not exactly low-effort. No matter what’s in her diary, they still need walking three times a day, whether that’s a job for Melanie, her husband or – very occasionally, she says – her assistant.
But as far as she’s concerned, they’re the obvious choice for top of the political pups. “I really want to give the whole country the chance to get to know them,” she says. “These dogs deserve nothing less than 100% of our attention.”
Melanie is one of the 16 MPs gathered in Victoria Tower Gardens, in the shadow of the Palace of Westminster, to campaign for votes on behalf of their furry friends. It’s a challenge that some of them are taking pretty seriously.
Douglas Lumsden with Norman(Image: Humphrey Nemar/daily mirror)
Douglas Lumsden, the Scottish Tory MP for Aberdeen South, is here with Norman – an adorable one-year-old Cockalier puppy. “He’s not named after anyone in particular,” the politician quips.
“I think it’s quite competitive today, in terms of who’s going to win,” he adds. “I hope the whips haven’t been out telling the judges who to vote for.”
Douglas, who was elected at the June by-elections after the SNP’s Stephen Flynn resigned, sees the event as a chance to get to know some of his fellow MPs. And his furry friend is certainly a conversation-starter.
He adds: “Norman is quite new to our family but he already rules the roost. He’s doing well today – he’s still a bit excitable because of his age, but I think he’s having the best day of his life so far.”
Hannah Spencer with Judy(Image: Humphrey Nemar/daily mirror)
That’s not to say there isn’t any politics on the agenda. Hannah Spencer, the Green Party MP for Gorton and Denton, is here with Judy, a sweet-natured 11-year-old rescue greyhound.
She’s a living reminder of the Green Party campaign to ban greyhound racing, which is still legal in England but outlawed in Scotland and Wales.
“I have three greyhounds – four until recently,” says Hannah. “But I only got Judy last year and I wanted to share the joy of adopting an older dog. People worry because you don’t get that long with them, but we’ve just had the best time together.”
She adds that the breed is surprisingly “lazy,” given their reputation for speed. “Having a dog that doesn’t need much exercise has always worked for me. They’re just quite easy-going,” she says.
In a world where politicians are rarely seen without their PR polish, the event is an interesting look at the normal human beings underneath. Many, like Bobby Dean, have even brought their kids along.
Bobby Dean with Chester(Image: Humphrey Nemar/daily mirror)
The Lib Dem MP for Carshalton and Wallington says he wanted to give Chester, his Goldendoodle, a chance to shine after the birth of his four-month-old daughter Lyla.
“He’s wearing a bow tie today because it’s important to make an effort,” says Bobby. “That’s what he wore at our wedding when he was a ring bearer. He thought that was all about him – he’s not shy.”
And it’s easy to see why MPs might be drawn to man’s best friend, given their capacity for unconditional love. It must be a relief to meet someone whose vote you don’t have to campaign for.
“It doesn’t matter what you do,” as Bobby explains. “If you’ve got a dog, they feel the same about you as they did yesterday.”
And the winner is…
Top dog: Anna McMorrin, Labour MP for Cardiff North and her seven-year-old Working Cocker Spaniel, Cadi
Second place: Karl Turner, Independent MP for Kingston upon Hull East and his two-year-old Bichon Frisé, Charlie
Third place: Bobby Dean, Lib Dem MP for Carshalton and Wallington and his five-year-old Goldendoodle, Chester
Owen Sharp, chief executive of Dogs Trust, says: “The Westminster Dog of the Year competition is so much more than a canine beauty pageant. Judges will be looking for the dogs’ good deeds and devotion to their owners, rather than any policies or opinions.”
Jannine Edgar, chief executive of The Kennel Club, adds: “Westminster Dog of the Year celebrates the strong bond between politicians and their dogs, and highlights the vital role our four-legged friends play within the family.”
