Darlington MP Peter Gibson's dog up for Westminster Dog of the Year

Mr Gibson’s pup will be hoping to recreate his electoral success in the 2019 General Election and win support in a ‘paw-blic’ vote.

Eleven-year-old Jack Russel Clemmie and Mr Gibson are the pup and politician pairing from the region to be up for the gong.

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He said: “Clemmie is my biggest supporter and an important part of the family. She deserves the centre stage after all her years of loyalty and love.

“She deserves to win the title of Westminster Dog of the Year because she is loyal, trustworthy and her face tells the truth.”

The contest, organised by The Kennel Club and Dogs Trust, has been running since 1992 and is open to all dog-loving MPs and their four-legged friends.

Mr Gibson and Clemmie will be seeking votes in the Sir David Amess ‘Pawblic’ Vote – named in memory of the murdered MP who campaigned on dog welfare throughout his life.

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Last year the pair came in third place in the contest with Gibson saying he was "utterly thrilled".

This year the event is focused on promoting responsible dog ownership and helping out dogs lead happy and healthy lives.

Anyone wanting to back Peter and Clemmie can do so on the Westminster Dog of the Year website.