Dido, the 9 year old Lurcher, belonging to Rebecca Harris (Conservative MP for Castle Point) will be hoping for a decisive Conservative victory when she enters the 19thWestminster Dog of the Year competition on 13th October.

Proud owner Rebecca explains: “Even though dogs can’t talk, Dido is an excellent communicator! She is such a calm and patient dog and she came third last year.”

The Westminster Dog of the Year competition is organised jointly by Dogs Trust and Kennel Club and aims to highlight the unique relationship between man and dog. The competition is open to all Parliamentary pooches, regardless of breed or ‘pawlitical’ persuasion.

The Westminster Dog of the Year competition is more than just a beauty competition and provides an opportunity for MPs to promote responsible dog ownership. Judges include Clarissa Baldwin (CEO Dogs Trust) and Vanessa McAlpine (Events & Education Executive, the Kennel Club).

The final takes place at 10.30am on Thursday October 13th at Victoria Tower Gardens, next to the House of Lords. A mixture of familiar canine faces and new additions to the Westminster Dog of the Year family will all be competing for the coveted title.