Mandelson's dogs may be in the doghouse

Former Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Mandelson may be forced to part company with his beloved dogs, it was reported today.

Mr Mandelson is believed to have put his West Kensington home on the market and has bought a new flat off Trafalgar Square.

But the move is bad news for Mr Mandelson's retriever Bobby and his terrier Jack, who may be expelled because of a no-pets policy.

A friend reportedly said: "Peter's got this smart new place in an apartment block near the Canadian High Commission, but apparently there's a no-pets policy there.

"It's a tricky one. If dogs are banned from the flat he'll either have to bend the rules or get rid of them.

"Whatever happens, the new flat is a much smaller place than his last one, with no garden. So it really isn't suitable for two frisky young dogs."

Mr Mandelson's love for his dogs is well known. In 1999 he took his first puppy for a very public walkabout on Falls Road in Belfast.

"Don't you just love him," he reportedly asked onlookers. "He is beautiful and friendly."

He is also often seen walking the animals in Hyde Park and he has enthused about their love of the peaceful parks and sands of his Hartlepool constituency.

Mr Mandelson's office yesterday denied that he had parted company with the dogs but would not answer any further questions.