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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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FIVP launches CMA remedies survey

News Story 1
 FIVP has shared a survey, inviting those working in independent practice to share their views on the CMA's proposed remedies.

The Impact Assessment will help inform the group's response to the CMA, as it prepares to submit further evidence to the Inquiry Group. FIVP will also be attending a hearing in November.

Data will be anonymised and used solely for FIVP's response to the CMA. The survey will close on Friday, 31 October 2025. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
CMA to host webinar exploring provisional decisions

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is to host a webinar for veterinary professionals to explain the details of its provisional decisions, released on 15 October 2025.

The webinar will take place on Wednesday, 29 October 2025 from 1.00pm to 2.00pm.

Officials will discuss the changes which those in practice may need to make if the provisional remedies go ahead. They will also share what happens next with the investigation.

The CMA will be answering questions from the main parties of the investigation, as well as other questions submitted ahead of the webinar.

Attendees can register here before Wednesday, 29 October at 11am. Questions must be submitted before 10am on 27 October.

A recording of the webinar will be accessible after the event.