Torbay MP's dog wins public vote at the Westminster Dog Show
Torbay MP Steve Darling's guide dog Jennie won the public vote at the Westminster Dog Show
Liberal Democrat and Torbay MP Steve Darling's guide dog Jennie has won the public vote at the Westminster Dog Show.
More than a dozen MPs met in Victoria Tower Gardens on Thursday for the Westminster Dog Show, which sees the animals undergo a series of tasks before facing the judging the panel.
Tunnels, jumps and cones were all part of agility section - with some dogs choosing the treats instead of the course.
The event, organised by The Kennel Club and Dogs Trust, provides a platform for "spotlighting those who champion canine welfare and raise important dog related issues in Parliament", according to organisers.
It is the first time the event has been held since 2023 after the general election caused last year's show to be cancelled.
Jennie is a six-year-old golden retriever and Labrador mix and fought off several other MP's dogs to claim the top spot.
Other than winning awards, Jennie also spends her time canvassing before elections and enjoys her favourite hobby of cats, of which "she is fascinated by".
She even boasts her very own "Jennie camera" - a camera angle in Prime Minister's Questions just for her, Mr Darling said.
The Torbay MP, who has about three percent vision, said Jennie helps him into work safely and that she "looks out for me and stops me from going into things, particularly when it's busy or it's dark, that's when she comes into her own".
He said the event "humanises politicians", and that it "gives people the sense of humanity even if it's through an animal".