Dagenham and Rainham MP’s dog misses out on best pooch title

MP Jon Cruddas’s four legged friend narrowly missed out on being crowned Westminster Dog of the Year.

The competition pits MPs’ canine companions against each other in a battle for doggy superiority.

The Dagenham and Rainham MP and his Border Terrier, Joni, beat off stiff competition from mutts and MPs from 23 other constituencies.

Little Joni was named runner up but the top prize went to Star, a Norfolk Terrier owned by Charlie Elphicke MP for Dover and Deal.

The MPs were also encouraged to canvas their constituents to gain votes for their pooches.

The awards took place at Victoria Tower Gardens, Westminster on October 25.