Steerpike Steerpike

A coalition victory at Westminster Dog of the Year

As stormclouds gathered over London, the most politically connected pooches in the country assembled by the House of Lords for the most eagerly anticipated event of the year – the Westminster Dog of the Year competition.

Among the familiar faces – including Alec Shelbrooke’s Maggie and Boris, and David Burrowes’ Chomeley, Steerpike spotted a number of novice entrants. Baroness Masham had left her pack of seven dachshunds at home in Yorkshire, and had instead brought with her the soft-coated Wheaten Terrier, Theodora (aka Teddy).

TeddyHaving bonded with her lookalike, Hugo Swire’s cockapoo Rocco, the pair made firm friends, and proved that cooperation between the Commons and the Lords is actually possible. After Monday’s embarrassment for George Osborne, perhaps he wishes everyone had learnt a lesson from their dogs.

Rocco and Teddy

Meanwhile Craig Williams, the MP for Cardiff North, was truly flying the flag for his country with his Welsh springer spaniel Winston.

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