British politician who enjoyed going to the dogs

Willie McKelvey, a former British Labour Member of Parliament at Westminster, London, is a long-term greyhound enthusiast


A one time British Greyhound Racing Board director as an owners' representative Willie when an MP brought and important link with Westminster to the sport at a crucial time. He was fundamental in starting the All Party Parliamentary Greyhound Group or APPGG.

He said: "I bought my first two pups in the late 80s in partnership with former MP pals - Irene Adams, John McAllion and Jim Wray.

This was first venture and it was fatal. The pups were not cheap at the time at about £1,500 each we were told they were a bargain but they couldn't even qualify to race!

"I bought my beloved Lady Polly in another partnership - a Kilmarnock lad I had introduced to greyhound racing. She costs us £800 and was a grad investment. She won us plenty of races including an open at Powderhall. When she retired I took her home 'just temporarily and she was a tremendous pal for the next 12 years!

William McKelvey (born July 1934), was the British Labour MP for Kilmarnock from 1979 to 1983 and for Kilmarnock and Loudoun from 1983 until his retirement in 1997 after suffering a stroke.