Meet Tansy

Campaign Assistant. Backseat Driver. Walnut Enthusiast.

If you've seen me out and about (or received one of our leaflets), chances are you've also met the real star of the show—Tansy the Airedale Terrier. She's been with us for the last few years, and while I might be the one standing for election, she's definitely the one getting recognised on the street.

A Little Terrier Trivia

Did you know Walt Disney was a huge fan of Airedales? It was actually an Airedale who saved all the puppies in 101 Dalmatians (which we feel a nice symmetry with—our Dalmatian before Tansy was called Darcy, as in Mr. Darcy. Yes, that one). Other famous Airedale owners include Clint Eastwood, Ringo Starr and Mary Portas. It's an eclectic bunch—but then again, so are Airedales.

Tansy's Tale (and Tail)

Tansy is your classic Airedale: opinionated, fiercely independent, and deeply unimpressed by most things—especially rain. But she's also full of quirks that make her completely irreplaceable.

A couple of years ago, she had to have her entire ear canal removed due to a large tumour. She now officially only has one inner ear—but in true Tansy fashion, she bounced back with zero interest in anyone's sympathy. Stitches? What stitches. She was trying to chase pigeons within days.

Her morning routine includes an aggressive detour to the back garden where she launches herself at her 'aggression rope'. It's a daily ritual of growling, swinging and stress relief. We assume it's healthy.

Come evening, she's a different creature: at precisely 9:30pm, she expects her raw milk kefir and a walnut in its shell. If I forget (I've tried), she will bark. Loudly. And continue until compliance is achieved. It's a system, and it works.

She's also absolutely obsessed with my daughter, who returns the affection with complete, unwavering indifference. It's a very one-sided love story, and Tansy is nothing if not persistent.

Campaign Mascot Extraordinaire

Tansy walks much of the campaign trail with me (rain permitting), and people often stop to say hello to her first—which is fair. Whether she's delivering leaflets or getting in a cat frenzy, she's definitely part of the team.

So yes, while I might be the one on the ballot paper—there's no doubt who's really in charge.