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Jeremy Corbyn's cat relaxes in front of a roaring fire on the cover of the Labour leader's official Christmas card.

El Gato - Spanish for "the cat" - is pictured relaxing on a rug before a decorative, stocking-hung mantelpiece in the opposition leader's festive offering.

The card, which bears the message "Merry Christmas" on the front and wishes for a "happy and peaceful 2019" inside, was released on Monday.

Mr Corbyn said: "Christmas is a special time of year to spend with family and friends.

"But we also remember those going through difficult times, people experiencing loneliness, poverty, homelessness, or ill health.

(Image: PA)

"Let us commit ourselves this Christmas to do all we can so that next year there is greater peace, fewer people are suffering and more enjoy the warmth and comfort of security and community."

The card is a more homely affair than last year's, which was a festive adaptation of the party's 2017 general election manifesto artwork, with people picked out in red and white sporting Santa hats, crowns and reindeer antlers.

Last week Theresa May unveiled three different Christmas card designs.

As with previous years they were designed by children from her Maidenhead constituency, who were also invited to Downing Street to help switch on its Christmas lights.