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Battersea announce their new Purr Minister
Billy the cat
Billy won 23 per cent of the vote in this years' election.

Billy is Westminster's top cat

Billy, a cat owned by Mid Dorset and North Poole MP Annette Brooke, has been voted this year's Purr Minister in a competition organised by Battersea Dogs & Cats Home.

Billy won 23 per cent of the vote in this years' election, which runs annually and is open to all MPs and Lords currently holding a position in a UK constituency. Battersea say that his manifesto focusing on ‘love and care’ and edu-CAT-ion for all, struck a clear chord with the public.

Billy joins the ranks of Larry, 'the most famous cat in the land', and last year's Purr Minister Kevin, owned by Sefton Central MP Bill Esterson.  He fought off stiff competition from Archie, nominated by Stephen Hammond MP for Wimbledon, Tibbs, selected by Mark Spencer MP for Sherwood and Ripley, presented by Livingston MP Graeme Morrice.

Billy's proud owner Annette says: “I’m really thrilled that Billy has won, as I’m sure he will be, and he will be getting lots of extra treats! It has been a pleasure to be involved in this opportunity to promote rescue centres such as Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, who do such good work.

"We acquired Billy from a rescue centre in Dorset last July, and were so impressed with them. My family stay in touch, letting them know how Billy is getting on, and I would really encourage anyone looking for a new pet to rehome from a rescue.”

Battersea’s head of cattery, Lindsey Quinlan, adds: “We’re sure Billy will enjoy being the feline face of politics with his new title of Purr Minister. It was a tight race but we’re really pleased to present this coveted Battersea award to him. We know the British public love their cats and this just shows that our politicians do too.”

Image (C) Battersea Dogs and Cats Home

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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.  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
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.