Dr Colin Whiting resigns from RCVS Council
Dr Colin Whiting.
Dr Colin Whiting has announced that he is to resign from RCVS Council with immediate effect, stating that he “cannot accept” a requirement to support externally all decisions taken by Council members.
Dr Whiting was elected to RCVS Council in 2021 and served on the College's Education Committee, PIC/DC Liaison Committee and the Advancement of the Professions Committee as Council Deputy Lead for the ViVet innovation programme.
He said: “My decision follows Council’s approval of a ‘How we work’ statement at its June meeting, which includes a requirement for Council members to support externally all decisions taken by Council, which I cannot accept.
“Nevertheless, may I wish the ongoing leadership team, my colleagues on Council, and all the staff at RCVS the very best for the future. It has been my privilege to meet many passionate, determined and very hardworking colleagues during my short time on Council, who are seeking to progress and support our profession very admirably indeed.”
Under the rules set out in the RCVS Election Scheme, the newly vacant position on Council has since been offered to the candidate who received the next highest number of votes during the same election in 2021.
Veterinary surgeon Will Wilkinson has formally accepted this offer and will sit on Council for the remainder of the four-year term, until July 2025, and be eligible to stand for re-election thereafter.
RCVS President Dr Kate Richards said: “We were sorry to learn that Colin has decided to step down from Council, but understand that this was his personal decision and one that he has considered carefully and taken time to make."
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
