New MP hopes to bolster support for animal welfare
Equine veterinary surgeon Dr Neil Hudson has been elected as Conservative MP for Penrith and the Border, becoming the first vet to be elected to the House of Commons since 1880.
Dr Hudson initially studied at the University of Cambridge, going on to gain a Diploma in Veterinary Clinical Studies from the University of Sydney. Finally, he moved to Edinburgh, where he earned his Certificate in Equine Internal Medicine.
Currently, Dr Hudson is a senior veterinary clinical lecturer at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies. He has worked in large and small animal practice, both in the UK and Australia.
Dr Hudson has expressed his investment in upholding high standards of animal welfare in the UK, as well as support for numerous animal welfare pledges outlined in the Conservative Manifesto. These include:
- Banning imports from trophy-hunting and bringing the ivory ban into force
- Expanding mandatory microchipping to include cats
- Banning excessively long journeys for slaughter and fattening
- Tougher sentences for animal cruelty cases
- Cracking down on illegal puppy smuggling.
As part of his election campaign, Dr Hudson attended a round table meeting focusing on rural businesses and met with farmers at various local marts to discuss issues facing the industry.
Receiving 28,875 votes, Dr Hudson is the fifth MP to represent the Penrith and the Border constituency. Many hope that his extensive, real-world experience will bolster support for policies surrounding rural affairs, animal welfare and education.
Image (c) The University of Edinburgh
Eligible members of BEVA will be able to vote for their Council team until Monday, 17 August 2026. Members will have received an election email on 17 July.
