Kimberley MP and beloved pooch compete for Westminster Dog of the Year 2022

Broxtowe MP Darren Henry reading with his dog Poppy.

MP Darren Henry and his dog Poppy will compete with other politicians and their pooches to win the coveted title of Westminster Dog of the Year 2022.

The event returns for its 29th year and is open to all dog loving MPs and their four-legged friends of all ages, breeds, shapes and sizes – pedigree and crossbreed alike, to compete for Parliament's pooch of the year, held at Victoria Tower Gardens in London.

In 2021 the title and public vote was awarded to French Bulldog Vivienne and the late Sir David Amess.

In memory of the MP who tragically died last year, the public vote prize has been renamed the Sir David Amess Pawblic Vote Award, to commemorate Sir David, who was a dedicated dog lover and carried out extensive work to improve and protect dog welfare throughout his life.

Organised jointly by Dogs Trust and the Kennel Club, Darren Henry MP has the unique opportunity to celebrate his canine companion Poppy, as well as raise the awareness of an important issue and concern many dog-owners face.

This year the event focuses on fireworks, which are known to cause great distress to dogs throughout the year.

The competition will provide a platform for guidance on how dog owners can minimise the stress experienced by their pets, as well as encourage the government to explore what can be done to better regulate the use of fireworks across the UK.

Proud owner Mr Henry said: “Poppy is fun, loyal and perfect company in the constituency, she’s an absolute pleasure.

“She’s always happy when around people and brings joy to all members of my family and the MP team. She’s well known and greeted warmly by my constituents around Broxtowe.

“Dog ownership has risen significantly over the past two years, and this occasion is a great opportunity to support all dog-owners throughout the UK, in shining a light on an important matter, such as fireworks, which sadly causes worry and stress to many people and their beloved pets.

“I believe that spreading information on ways to keep dogs calm and safe on nights that are known to involve fireworks is key to tackle this issue.”

The contest also includes a ‘paw-blic’ vote, the newly-named Sir David Amess Pawblic Vote Award, in which MPs are seeking votes from their supporters for their dogs.

Additional judging will be carried out on the day by representatives from Dogs Trust and the Kennel Club, who will consider the contestants on their dog-related deeds.

Details of how to vote can be found here.