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Feline duo claw their way to the top
Pixie and Smudge
Pixie and Smudge, who belong to Steve Reed, MP for Croydon North, secured 41 per cent of the vote

Pixie and Smudge are joint Purr Ministers
 
A coalition of cats has taken the top spot in Westminster for the first time, Battersea Dogs and Cats Home has revealed. Feline duo Pixie and Smudge have been chosen as co-Purr Ministers in the charity's annual competition.

For the third year running, cat-owning MPs across the country nominated their political pets for the top job, launching their own 'manifurstos' explaining why their cat deserves to rule the nation.

Pixie and Smudge, who belong to Steve Reed, MP for Croydon North, secured 41 per cent of the vote - winning over the public with their leadership promises.

Their winning manifursto read: 'Super-friendly Pixie shows leadership potential in stealing Smudge’s breakfast every morning, but Smudge shows he has the initiative to succeed by choosing the spot underneath the garden bird feeder as his favourite resting place.'

Proud owner Mr Reed said he was "absolutely thrilled" that the pair had taken the crown as Westminster's first co-Purr Ministers. "In a day of much political division, they have shown that collaboration and working together wins through," he added.

"These siblings were both rescue cats, and I’m delighted we’ve been able to take part in Purr Minister 2016, and promote the essential work that Battersea Dogs & Cats Home do in saving and rehoming so many animals every day."

The new Purr Ministers will now get a taste of political stardom, joining the likes of Number 10 cat Larry and last year's Purr Minister Billy.

Battersea's head of catteries Lindsay Quinlan congratulated the pair: "We are so pleased to present this esteemed Battersea award to them and are sure this duo will enjoy being the new feline face of politics.

"We know they will do a sterling job to represent rescue cats across the land, and we wish them well in all their political pussycat endeavours!"

Image courtesy of Battersea Dogs & 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.