MPs battle it out in a parliamentary pooch contest

MPs Andrea Jenkyns and Alec Shelbrooke have nominated their pooches for an election of a different kind.
Morley and Outwood MP Andrea Jenkins has entered her pets in the Westminster Dog of the Year contest.Morley and Outwood MP Andrea Jenkins has entered her pets in the Westminster Dog of the Year contest.
Morley and Outwood MP Andrea Jenkins has entered her pets in the Westminster Dog of the Year contest.

Morley and Outwood MP Ms Jenkyns has entered her two dogs, Lady and Godiva, in the keenly contested Westminster Dog of the Year 2015.

Mr Shelbrooke, of the Elmet and Rothwell constituency, is canvassing for his two dogs whose names have high political pedigree, Boris and Maggie.

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They will compete with other MPs and Peers’ dogs next Thursday for the honour of owning the top dog.

Conservative MP Alec Shelbrooke is going on the campaign trail for his dogs Boris and MaggieConservative MP Alec Shelbrooke is going on the campaign trail for his dogs Boris and Maggie
Conservative MP Alec Shelbrooke is going on the campaign trail for his dogs Boris and Maggie

Ms Jenkyns said of Miniature Schnauzer, Godiva, and Lady, a Schnauzer, Labrador and Jack Russell cross: “Lady and Godiva are wonderful companions and my biggest supporters. Often found charming local constituents in Morley and Outwood and supporting door-to-door canvassing efforts, they will now take centre stage to compete at this year’s Westminster Dog of the Year.

“With dogged determination, I have no doubt that they will win over the hearts of the voters and achieve a landslide victory.”

But Mr Shelbrooke, is convinced Jack Russell/Poodle cross, Boris, and West Highland White Terrier, Maggie will win the poll.

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The canine contest has been jointly organised by the Kennel Club and Dogs Trust.

The theme of this year’s event focuses on the need to protect access for dog walkers to the range of public open spaces in the UK, from parks and forests to beaches and moors.

It will also raise awareness of the health and welfare benefits dog walking brings to pets and their owners.

Campaign literature on the competing pooches can be found at www.thekennelclub.org.uk/westminsterdogoftheyearThe public can play a key role in the dog contest by casting their vote at www.surveymonkey.com/s/WDOTY2015

There will be additional judging on the day in London to determine which pooch will take home the ultimate parliamentary privilege of the Westminster Dog of the Year 2015’ title.

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