The successful candidates will take up their seats in July.
The RCVS has published the results of its 2026 election.
This year, 15 candidates stood for three available places. A total of 6,289 veterinary surgeons, representing 15.8 per cent of those eligible, cast their votes — a decrease on the previous year’s turnout of 19 per cent.
Joining Council for the first time are Mr Ian Battersby FRCVS, who received 2,205 votes, and Dr Lara Wilson MRCVS, with 1,598 votes.
Dr Neil Smith FRCVS, who received 1,620 votes and served as RCVS president from 2013-2014, returns for a third stint on Council, having previously served from 2004-2008 and 2010-2022.
The successful candidates will begin their four-year terms at RCVS Day, Friday 3 July, at One Great George Street, Westminster.
Clare Paget, RCVS Registrar and Returning Officer for the election, said: “Thank you to all of this year’s candidates for taking the time and effort to put themselves forward for the election, and to all those who voted as well.
“As with previous years, we went to considerable efforts to ensure that all eligible voters were able to have their say, with six reminder emails being sent during the voting period to those who hadn’t yet voted. We look forward to welcoming our three new Council members later this year.”
Council members are required to attend six to eight Council meetings a year and serve on various working parties, boards and committees. These bodies act with delegated authority on specific matters and provide recommendations to Council on key strategic issues.
Image (C) RCVS.
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
