During Prime Minister’s Questions, Sir Keir Starmer took a moment to wish Jennie, the guide dog of Liberal Democrat MP Steve Darling, a happy sixth birthday. The golden retriever, often seen dozing near Darling, has been a loyal companion, assisting the MP who suffers from Stargardt disease, a genetic eye condition.
As Darling raised concerns about the impact of increased national insurance contributions on the tourism industry, Starmer lightheartedly noted that Jennie didn’t seem “particularly interested” in his response. Despite the playful remark, Starmer acknowledged the importance of tourism to Darling’s constituency in Devon and Cornwall, mentioning new government initiatives aimed at supporting the sector.
Following the exchange, Jennie’s official social media account posted a thank-you message to the Prime Minister, saying: “Woof woof! A big thank you to the Prime Minister for the belated birthday wishes! Better late than never, right? Feeling pawsitively special today!”
In his own tribute, Darling celebrated Jennie’s special day, calling her not just a guide dog, but a “faithful companion” deserving of treats and love. He humorously added that Jennie has ambitions to become “the leader of the o-paw-sition.”