MP Simon and Harry win silver at dog competition

But it wasn’t Blair versus Brown or the Milliband brothers vying for the top this week – it was 12 canines all hoping to be crowned Westminster Dog of the Year.

And Dewsbury and Mirfield MP Simon Reevell and his 11-year-old Fox Terrier, Harry, came a valiant second.

The competition, organised by the Kennel Club and Dogs Trust, took place today (Thursday), in Victoria Tower Gardens, Westminster and saw 12 dogs and their MP owners compete for the title.

Harry and Mr Reevell impressed the judges with their devoted relationship and commitment to canine issues in their constituency but were pipped to the podium by Noodle, belonging to Rt Hon Alan Duncan MP for Rutland and Melton.

The MPs entering the competition campaigned hard, canvassing for votes from the public before meeting the expert judges to boast about their dog’s heroic deeds and acts of devotion.

Mr Reevell said: “Harry had a grrrreat day and enjoyed meeting all the other contestants. I am so proud of him, playing such a big part in such an important event to promote responsible dog ownership.”

The judging panel – Clarissa Baldwin, CEO of Dogs Trust, Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary, and MP Charlie Elphicke, owner of 2012’s winning dog Star – spent the morning with dogs from different political persuasions and ambitions.

Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary said: “Again this year we have seen lots of worthy dogs compete for this title and the bond each MP has with their dog is uniquely special. It was a difficult decision to make but Harry and Simon struck a chord with us, their relationship is a very special one.”

In third place was Cholmeley, a yellow Labrador owned by David Burrowes MP for Enfield Southgate.