The dog of Sir David Amess, called Vivienne, has been named as the Westminster Dog of the Year today.
The competition, which promotes responsible dog ownership, is run by The Kennel Club and Dogs Trust.
Three-year-old Vivienne was announced as the winner following a public vote and an assessment by judges.
Conservative MPs Andrew Rosindell and Mark Francois took Sir David's French Bulldog to the competition this morning.
Congratulations Vivienne.
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) October 28, 2021
David would have been very proud. https://t.co/nYEPc8EsKZ
Politicians posted their message of congratulations on Vivienne's win.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who earlier this week urged people to vote for her as a way to honour Sir David, was happy with the result.
He tweeted out at the news: "Congratulations Vivienne. David would have been very proud."
Conseravtive MP Andrea Leadsom tweeted: "Lovely to see this. He would be delighted."
Edward Timpson, whose dog Stanley came in second place in the awards also congratulated Vivienne on her win.
He wrote: "Congratulations to Vivienne on winning Westminster Dog of the Year in memory of her master, Sir David Amess.
"I was very pleased that my own Stanley took second place, with Selaine Saxby's Henry coming third. Well done to all!"
Congratulations to Vivienne on winning Westminster Dog of the Year in memory of her master, Sir David Amess. I was very pleased that my own Stanley took second place, with Selaine Saxby's Henry coming third. Well done to all! 🐾🥈☺️ pic.twitter.com/4qyGtM5O1n
— Edward Timpson CBE MP (@edwardtimpson) October 28, 2021
Selaine Saxby, whose dog Henry came third, posted a similar message.
She wrote: "Its been a very exciting morning for Henry who came third in the Westminster Dog of the Year competition!
"It was lovely to meet Vivienne, Sir David Amess's lovely French bulldog, who was the rightful winner".
Oliver Dowden MP tweeted: "We have a winner! Congratulations goes to our late friend Sir David Amess's dog Vivienne for winning Westminster Dog of the Year - pawfect City of Southend outfit too".
A tribute to Sir David Amess
It is almost two weeks ago now since the MP for Southend was fatally stabbed whilst attending a constituency surgery in Leigh-on-Sea.
In the Express, Sir David previously said of his pet: "Every time I walk into the room Vivienne throws herself at me, lies on their back with her legs in the air to be tickled.
"But before that she always brings a toy so she is of a generous, giving nature.
"If I am feeling down, the dog lifts my spirits as she is always pleased to see me and she makes me smile."
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