Former Reform member Rupert Lowe got his gamekeeper to put down his Labrador, Cromwell, with a rifle to "end his suffering" - to avoid his pet having to go to see a vet to end his life.

The 17-year-old dog was reportedly shot in the back of the head by the employee at his Gloucestershire estate, after becoming ill and losing the use of his back legs.

Rupert Lowe visiting Great Yarmouth for the opening of The Place (Image: Rupert Lowe)

The incident has reportedly "shocked" fellow MPs, with one anonymous colleague calling it an "old money thing to do... it would have been acceptable 100 years ago but it's not now," in comments to the Daily Mail.

However, Lowe, who now sits as an independent MP for Great Yarmouth, has defended his actions, saying: "This is what happens on farms.

"Cromwell was in agony, back legs gone and in immense pain. His life........

© Eastern Daily Press