MPs and Lords battle for photographic glory

^{Picture (above): Former NATO secretary general Lord Robertson had several winning entries [photo credit: C Cheesman]}

^{Picture credit: Nick Raynsford MP}

^{Picture credit: Andrew Miller MP}

The contest, which in previous years was sponsored by Jessops – until the
chain went out of business under previous owners in January – pulled in around 400
submissions from MPs and Lords.

The winners were each awarded a book of the best photos – a move
which new sponsor Canon hopes will lead to even more entries from
politicians next year.

Commenting on the quality of this year’s entries, Austin Mitchell MP, who chairs the Parliamentary All-Party Photography Group, said: ‘Every year it gets better and better.’

More MPs won plaudits than peers, but MPs made up most of the entries.

House of Commons Speaker John Bercow, who opened the exhibition, neatly summed up the competitive nature of those taking part.

‘I think there is a characteristic in Parliamentarians, a desire… not to be outdone by others,’ he said.

‘I never cease to be struck on occasions like this… by the range of largely uncelebrated and certainly hitherto unnoticed skills of one’s colleagues.’

Among the winners was Ian Paisley Jr who told Amateur Photographer (AP) that he uses a Nikon 1 compact system camera.

Judges included photographer and former AP columnist Mike Maloney OBE, renowned wildlife photographer Andy Rouse, Editor of the RPS Journal David Land and AP news editor Chris Cheesman.

The images have gone on display in the Upper Waiting Hall of the House of Commons, before being transferred to the House of Lords.

More follows…

^{Austin Mitchell MP (right), who chairs the Parliamentary All-Party Photography Group, with House of Commons}
^{Speaker John Bercow}
^{[photo credit: C Cheesman]}