Sir David Amess's Pet Bulldog Vivienne Has Been Crowned Westminster Dog Of The Year
2 min read
Vivienne, the beloved bulldog of Sir David Amess’s, who died earlier this month, has been crowned Westminster Dog of the Year.
During an emotional and uplifting ceremony that took place in Victoria Tower Gardens this morning, Vivienne was awarded first place in the public vote.
Third place was handed to North Devon MP Selaine Saxby’s dog Henry, while second place went to Eddisbury MP Edward Timpson’s dog Stanley.
MP for Southend West Sir David Amess was stabbed to death while holding a constituency surgery in Leigh-on-Sea on Friday October 15. A 25-year-old man is being held under the terrorism act on suspicion of murder.
Amess had entered his black mask French bulldog Vivienne into the annual competition prior to his death.
His close parliamentary colleagues Andrew Rosindell, MP for Romford, and Mark Francois, MP for Rayleigh and Wickford escorted Vivienne in his place.
In honour of Amess, who long championed the cause of having Southend awarded city status, the bulldog donned a blue outfit with the words "City Of Southend" splashed across it to the event.
“No one loved animals like David, and no one loved their dog like David,” Rosindell told PoliticsHome.
“I could not feel more sadness at the fact that it was me chaperoning Vivienne, his dog, at the Dog of the Year, instead of him, but I also could not feel more pride to be able to pay tribute to him in this small way."
Responding to Vivienne’s victory, Francois told PoliticsHome: "My friend Sir David Amess was a great animal lover, so I'm delighted Vivienne has triumphed as the public's favourite pooch - and a great new mascot for the City of Southend.”
Vivienne was born in August 2018 and comes from a local breeder in Southend.
According to Amess’s family, her favourite activities include sleeping, snoring, welcoming visitors to the house with her favourite toy, sleeping on car journeys and chomping on treats.
Responding to news of Vivienne's success, the Prime Minister's wife, Carrie Johnson, tweeted: "So pleased this gorgeous girl won."
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