Politicians Focus On Winning The Jessops’ Photography Challenge

Politicians are battling it out to become the next ‘Prime Minister of Pictures’ in the keenly contested Jessops Parliamentary Photography Competition.

Open to all MPs and Peers, a record 600 images have been entered into the challenge to find the smartest snappers within Westminster.

The photographs reveal incredible scenes from government duties and give a great insight into the private lives of the political animal – and they’re all set to go before an expert judging panel as well the voting public.

Among those going for the Commons vote are Alan Duncan with ‘Praying Mantis’, David Heath with ‘Fatburger’ and Tom Levitt with ‘Me and My Cowshed’, while Tim Loughton, Austin Mitchell and Nick Raynsford are also putting themselves in the frame.

The Upper House has come in with some serious competition, including Lord Crathorne’s ‘Daily Hindu ritual on the banks of the Ganges’ and Lord Greenway’s ‘Maple Leaves’.

Jessops marketing and e-commerce director, Brian Linnington says: “Photos are like seeing life through another person’s eyes, and we’ve received a fascinating collection of entries which give a unique portrait of the world today and make for captivating viewing.

“At Jessops we’re passionate about photography, and through competitions such as this we want to inspire people to share our love of pictures and develop a hobby they can enjoy over the years to come.”

Six successful Judges Choice entries will win a £100 bursary, which is donated on their behalf to Jessops' adopted charity CLIC Sargent, to provide care and financial support for children and their families living with cancer and leukaemia.

Later this year the Judges Choice winners will be canvassing the public vote at www.jessops.com/parliament, with the people's favourite political paparazzo winning a further £100 for CLIC Sargent – and one lucky voter selected at random receiving £100 in Jessops gift vouchers.

People can also buy a calendar featuring a dozen of the best photographs with proceeds going to the charity.