Cockapoo called Corbyn named people's Westminster dog of the year

A cockapoo called Corbyn has been named the people's Westminster Dog of the Year following a vote.

Ginger/red-coated Corbyn was crowned the public champion in the annual competition, organised by the Dogs Trust and Kennel Club and held outside the Houses of Parliament.

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.

Corbyn has also found approval from his namesake Jeremy Corbyn, who said he found the name "highly amusing".

The Labour leader has even spoken to the canine via a video call, according to Corbyn's owner, shadow employment minister Mike Amesbury said.

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.

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."