'Corbyn' the Cockapoo tops Westminster dogs poll

A cockapoo called Corbyn named after the Labour leader has topped a public poll.
By The Newsroom
Published 6th Sep 2018, 17:06 BST
Updated 6th Sep 2018, 17:12 BST
Mike Amesbury MP with Cockapoo, Corbyn, winner of the Pawblic Vote award during the 26th annual Westminster Dog of the Year competition, which was won by Boomer and Corona, belonging to Alex Norris MPMike Amesbury MP with Cockapoo, Corbyn, winner of the Pawblic Vote award during the 26th annual Westminster Dog of the Year competition, which was won by Boomer and Corona, belonging to Alex Norris MP
Mike Amesbury MP with Cockapoo, Corbyn, winner of the Pawblic Vote award during the 26th annual Westminster Dog of the Year competition, which was won by Boomer and Corona, belonging to Alex Norris MP

Jeremy Corbyn finds the name "highly amusing" and has even spoken to his canine namesake via a video call, the dog's owner and shadow employment minister Mike Amesbury said.

Ginger/red-coated Corbyn was crowned the people's champion following an online vote ahead of the annual Westminster Dog of the Year competition, which is organised by the Dogs Trust and the Kennel Club and held outside the Houses of Parliament.

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Mr Amesbury's son insisted the cocker spaniel/poodle cross be named after Mr Corbyn following the 2017 election.

Corbyn has a "wonderful temperament", is "brilliant with people" and is "very, very loving", he added.

The event aims to raise awareness of issues around canine welfare, in particular the negative impact fireworks can have on the animals.

The winners of the main category, which was judged by representatives from the two organisations, were border collies Boomer and Corona, owned by Nottingham North Labour MP Alex Norris.

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He said: "I am really pleased the dogs have won. We have raised awareness of really important issues and to be the winner is incredible."

Conservative MP for Sutton Coldfield Andrew Mitchell's Welsh springer spaniel, called Scarlet Whosabootiful Mitchell, took home the prize for second place and Dogs Trust rescue dachshund Gooseberry, handled by Chesham and Amersham Tory MP Cheryl Gillan, came third.

Kennel Club secretary Caroline Kisko said: "I think this event is so important because it gives our politicians the opportunity to let everyone know how much they love their dogs."

Conservative MP for Tewkesbury Laurence Robertson, whose dog Tiger featured in the competition, said: "Animals add so much to the world and so much to people's lives.

"Anything is a welcome break from Brexit, this in particular."

Related topics:Jeremy CorbynCockapooAlex Norris