The Labour politician counts a a mischievous parrot, an eight-stone Rottweiler, a rescued tortoise, an American cat and two lovebirds among his pets.

Although not quite Adlington's answer to Dr Dolittle, the MP admits the clan certainly keeps him and wife Kath on their toes, especially 80-year-old parrot Mr Major.

For example, when the phone sounds at the MP's home Mr Major's ability to mimic its ring causes confusion.

He said: "I'm never quite sure whether it's actually the office phoning me or the parrot. So I have to give it four rings and if the phone carries on, I've got to dash and get it."

Mr Major even answers his own ringing by squawking: 'Hello, how are you? Okay, I'm on my way.'

Lindsay said: "He's an African Grey. Grey – that's why he's Mr Major. He's the only Tory that shouts: 'Vote Hoyle, vote Labour'. He's very mischievous!

"They all get on quite well. But I think the dog gets a bit fed up of being told to sit all the time. Mr Major certainly thinks he's the boss."

Mr Major's other sayings include 'Where've you been?', 'Hello sweetie', 'Don't panic' and 'Merry Christmas' – all year round.
The first member of the menagerie was Kennedy the cat – named after John F Kennedy 16 years ago.

Lindsay said: "They've always had political names - Kennedy started it. We've had Mr Major, of course, then Harold Wilson and Maggie the tortoise. The old love bird was called Edwina, to go with the parrot."

But with Lindsay in London most days, his animal-lover wife and Chorley councillor Kath is left in charge.

She said: "I never thought I'd be a zoo keeper, but never mind."