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Noodle triumphs over paw-litical opponents
Alan Duncan MP with Noodle

Annual Westminster Dog of the Year competition announces winner

Noodle, an 11-month-old cocker spaniel/poodle cross, belonging to Alan Duncan MP for Rutland and Melton, was declared the winner of the 21st annual Westminster Dog of the Year competition.

Organised by the Kennel Club and Dogs Trust, the competition was held in Victoria Tower Gardens in Westminster.

Noodle was up against 13 paw-litical opponents earning votes from the judges and the public. The MPs entering the competition campaigned hard, boasting about their dogs' heroic deeds and acts of devotion.

MP Alan Duncan, said: “I am absolutely thrilled to bits to have won Westminster Dog of the Year. Noodle is a playful and well behaved dog which caught the judges eye and I am very proud of her. I really like this competition as it highlights the importance of responsible dog ownership.”

The judging panel – Clarissa Baldwin, CEO of Dogs Trust, Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary, and MP Charlie Elphicke, owner of 2012’s winning dog Star – spent the morning with the dogs and their owners.

Commenting on the reasons Noodle was selected as the winner, Caroline Kisko said: “Again this year we have seen lots of worthy dogs compete for this title and the bond each MP has with their dog is uniquely special. It was a difficult decision to make but Noodle and Alan struck a chord with us all and are clearly popular with their constituents too. Well done to Noodle, you truly deserve the title of Westminster Dog of the Year.”

Leading the opposition in second place was Harry, a fox terrier owned by Simon Reevell, MP for Dewsbury and third place was awarded to Cholmeley, a Labrador owned by MP for Enfield Southgate David Burrowes.

Brodie, an Irish wheaten terrier owned by MP for Falkirk, Eric Joyce, was the winner of the public vote.

Image courtesy of the Kennel Club

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VMD invites students to apply for EMS placement

News Story 1
 The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) is inviting applications from veterinary students to attend a one-week extramural studies (EMS) placement in July 2026.

Students in their clinical years of study have until 28 February to apply for the placement, which takes place at the VMD's offices in Addlestone, Surrey, from 6-10 July 2026.

Through a mixture of lectures and workshops, the placement will explore how veterinary medicines are authorised, non-clinical career opportunities, and other important aspects of the VMD's work.  

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RCVS members invited to question Council candidates

RCVS members have been invited to submit questions to candidates for this year's RCVS Council election.

With 15 candidates standing for three available positions, vets have been invited to submit a question of their choosing before voting starts. These questions will be collated, with each candidate answering one question of their choice.

It is recommended that members read the candidates' biographies and statements before submitting questions. One question per member can be submitted to vetvote26@rcvs.org.uk before Wednesday, 25 February 2026.

The RCVS Council election is due to start in March.

With only two candidates for two positions on the VN Council, there will be no VN Council elections this year. Meghan Conroy RVN and Lauren Hargrave RVN will begin their three year terms at RCVS' AGM in July.