Anna McMorrin and her Cocker Spaniel, Cadi, have been crowned Westminster Dog of the Year 2026, celebrating the special bond between MPs and their canine companions.
The Labour MP for Cardiff North, and her seven-year-old Cocker Spaniel, were named the winners of this year’s Westminster Dog of the Year, held at Victoria Tower Gardens on 10 September.
The annual event, organised by the Royal Kennel Club and Dogs Trust, brings together MPs and their dogs to celebrate the companionship, joy and wellbeing that dogs bring to our lives.
The winning pair captured the judges’ attention thanks to Cadi’s people skills, her enthusiastic personality, and the bond she shared with Anna.
This year’s Westminster Dog of the Year theme was ‘A Good Life Together & A Lifetime Commitment’, highlighting the joy that dogs bring to our lives and the lifelong commitment of responsible dog ownership.
The event also provided an opportunity for participants and attendees to learn more about responsible dog ownership, including the importance of responsible breeding, training and socialisation in helping dogs to enjoy happy and healthy lives.
Anna and Cadi beat competition from 15 other pairs from constituencies across the UK. Finishing in second place were Karl Turner, Independent MP for Kingston upon Hull East, and his Bichon Frisé, Charlie, while Bobby Dean, Liberal Democrat MP for Carshalton and Wallington, and his Goldendoodle, Chester, took third place.
Each entrant was scored out of 10 by the judging panel on their handling skills and the bond they share with their dog, before being asked three questions reflecting this year’s theme, their dog’s story and their commitment to improving dog welfare through their work in Parliament.
Commenting on her win, Anna said: “Cadi and I are thrilled to win Westminster Dog of the Year! Cadi loves coming with me wherever I go. She’s a true member of the family and is loved by the community too. She really brightens up everyone’s day and has been my support through the ups and downs of being a politician! Now we’re off to celebrate her win with a doggy treat!”
Jannine Edgar, Chief Executive, Royal Kennel Club, said: “Many congratulations to Anna and Cadi on being crowned Westminster Dog of the Year 2026. Their special bond has been a joy to witness, and they are thoroughly deserving of the title. It is wonderful to see that bond between a dog and their owner celebrated here at Westminster.
“I would also like to thank Dogs Trust, all the MPs and their dogs for taking part today. Westminster Dog of the Year is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the joy and companionship that dogs bring to our lives, while also highlighting the importance of responsible dog ownership and giving our dogs the happy, healthy lives they deserve.”
Jayne Whitton, Chief Marketing Communications Officer at Dogs Trust, said: "Seeing Anna and Cadi take home the title today is a great reminder of the strong relationships we share with our pets. Events like Westminster Dog of the Year allow us to celebrate that joy while continuing to bring attention to the importance of responsible ownership, animal welfare, and the lifelong commitment our dogs rely on us to keep. Huge congratulations to both of them and thank you to all the fantastic canine competitors and MPs who joined us today.”
The event also featured a public vote to find the ‘Sir David Amess Pawblic Vote’ winner. The award is named in memory of the late Conservative MP, who was a staunch advocate for Westminster Dog of the Year and campaigned tirelessly to improve and protect dog welfare throughout his life.
The winner of the Sir David Amess Pawblic Vote was Ben Obese-Jecty, MP for Huntingdon, and his five-year-old mixed-breed rescue dog, Leto.
Ben said: “Absolutely wonderful to receive the public vote today, it means a lot. It’s lovely to think that Leto has captured everyone’s imagination with her back story. Fantastic to see how the public are really engaged in these stories of how we can adopt and rescue dogs who otherwise wouldn’t get this same chance at life.”