Labour MP Jonathan Reynolds secures triumph in the all-important Westminster Dog of the Year contest
You might think it has been a tough year for Labour MPs, but many will no doubt be relieved to find that one of their number has secured an outstanding triumph.
Not Sadiq Khan, the Labour politician with the largest popular mandate in the country.
But Greater Manchester MP Jonathan Reynolds, whose proud pooches – Clinton and Kennedy – triumphed in this year's fur-ocious Westminster Dog of the Year contest.
Last shot from Westminster Dog of The Year – it's @jreynoldsMP having his dogs assessed by judges. There are judges. pic.twitter.com/aeohxMvikh
— Mark Sands (@MkSands) September 8, 2016
Reynolds' dogs replaced last year's winner Andrea Jenkyns, who managed to take the trophy just months after she had deposed shadow chancellor Ed Balls at the General Election.
And this year saw Reynolds defeat ruff competition from across the Westminster benches.
At Westminster Dog of the Year, it's difficult to say if this is for the dogs, the MPs or the snappers… pic.twitter.com/fFO99JxQfk
— Mark Sands (@MkSands) September 8, 2016
Cardiff North MP Craig Williams – PPS to none other than the Treasury's David Gauke – was back for a second bite at the trophy with his Welsh spaniel Winston, while Thanet South's Craig Mackinlay also fought it out with his chocolate labrador Libby.
https://twitter.com/MkSands/status/773815898662723585
But many of the most admiring glances were reserved for Staffordshire terrier Watchman, who arrived in full regalia.
Watchman was a parade dog for the Staffordshire regiment, and was sponsored for entry by no less than five MPs, including Tory Michael Fabricant, who took delight in posing for pictures with the dog.
Difficult to say who was drawing the most admiring glances at Westminster Dog of the Year, but Watchman did well… pic.twitter.com/kelfGW78h6
— Mark Sands (@MkSands) September 8, 2016