Humbug just wasn't sweet enough to be top dog.
Maldon and East Chelmsford MP John Whittingdale is licking his wounds after much-loved pet Humbug failed to scoop the title of Westminster Dog of the Year.
The nine-month-old blue roan cocker spaniel made it through to the finals of the annual competition, but was pipped at the post by Lord Lucas's pooch Puffin.
Mr Whittingdale said: "I think Humbug should have won, but maybe she was too young. I think they just want her to enter again next year. She is choking back the disappointment."
Humbug spent the rest of the day chewing in Mr Whittingdale's House of Commons office.
Top dog - Maldon and East Chelmsford MP John Whittingdale with Humbug, who missed out on the Westminster Dog of the Year title
Picture: STEVE BAINBRIDGE
Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article