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Rocky, a seven-year-old Labrador owned by Labour MP Tracy Brabin, has been crowned Westminster Dog of the Year.

The 25th annual contest, organised by Dogs Trust and the Kennel club, pits pups from all sides of the house against each other - with this year's competition putting particular focus on training and behaviour.

The former Coronation Street star, now MP for Batley and Spen, said: "I am delighted to have won Westminster Dog of the Year with my terrific pooch Rocky.

"He had such a fantastic day, meeting all the other ‘paw-litical’ candidates and I’m really thrilled that he managed to wag his way to victory. I am very proud that he has been part of an event that promotes responsible dog ownership.”

It's the second year in a row the title has been awarded to a pup owned by a Labour politician. Last year, Jonathan Reynolds' dogs Clinton and Kennedy were jointly awarded the coveted gong.

(Image: PA) (Image: PA)

As the owner of last year's winning dogs, Reynolds was on this year's judging panel alongside Steve Jenkinson of the Kennel Club and Graeme Robertson from Dogs Trust.

Jenkinson said: "It was such a joy to see Rocky and Tracy and their relationship really struck a chord with us and they are clearly popular with their constituents too.

"Having deliberated over so many wonderful pooches we decided that Rocky truly deserves the title of Westminster Dog of the Year.”

(Image: REX/Shutterstock)

Tory MP Rebecca Pow's Beagle, Bonnie, came in second place, with former Tory minister Maria Miller's cockapoo, Ted, in third.

As well as the judges' picks, Labour secured an overwhelming victory in the public vote, as Nottingham North MP Alex Norris' Border Collies, Boomer and Corona romped to victory.

(Image: REX/Shutterstock) (Image: REX/Shutterstock)

Animal Welfare Minister Lord Gardiner said: “It was fantastic to see so many happy healthy dogs bounding around Westminster this morning.

"The UK is a nation of animal lovers and we are proud to have some of the highest welfare standards in the world, and events like these are important in promoting responsible pet ownership.

“I am pleased that around 95% of dogs are now microchipped since we made it compulsory eighteen months ago.

"We have also recently announced tougher controls on dog breeding to better protect thousands of puppies, and last month we put forward plans to increase the maximum penalty for animal cruelty to five years in prison to make clear that abuse will not be tolerated.”