Across the UK, cats are clawing their way to the top as Battersea’s long-running Purr Minister competition returns. Established as a light-hearted event, this contest offers MPs and peers the opportunity to put forward their most loyal feline friends, each one hoping to claim the prestigious title of Purr Minister.
With their ‘Manifurstos’ in paw, these contenders are spotlighting important cat welfare issues, from pet-friendly housing policies to mandatory microchipping. This year’s shortlist reveals a diverse cast of characters, all vying for public support to become the top cat of Parliament. Candidates hitting the campaign trail include ‘Clement Cattlee’ and ‘Mo Meowlam’, whose joint platform supports pet-friendly housing and safer breeding practices; confident Millie who wants to take on Chief Mouser and former Battersea resident Larry the Cat at Number 10; and Mimi, who was rescued from a breeder and is advocating for road safety and endless treats for all cats.
Battersea’s Cattery Rehoming and Welfare Manager, Bridie Williams, said: “After a three-year hiatus, we’re thrilled to see the return of Purr Minister – it’s a fantastic chance to celebrate these remarkable cats. The excitement is palpable, and we can’t wait to see which ‘cat-idate’ captures the nation’s heart and takes home the top prize.”
Today, Battersea reveals the twelve final ‘cat-idates’ hoping to secure your vote:
- Attlee, submitted by Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP
- Chilli & Bandit, submitted by Stella Creasy MP
- Clem & Mo, submitted by Johanna Baxter MP
- Cookie, submitted by Janet Daby MP
- Ebba, submitted by the Lord Bishop of Newcastle Dr Helen-Ann Hartley
- Millie, submitted by Dr Scott Arthur MP
- Mimi, submitted by Cat Eccles MP
- Morty Plummer-Thompson, submitted by Adam Thompson MP
- Murphy, submitted by Layla Moran MP
- Scampi, submitted by Peter Bedford MP
- Sprinkles, submitted by Sadik Al-Hassan MP
Bridie Williams added: “This year’s Purr Minister candidates are more dedicated than ever, with ‘Manifurstos’ that tackle real issues for felines everywhere. The competition will be fierce, but we’re thrilled to see the creativity and commitment our cat-idates and their human teams have shown. It’s an opportunity to shine a spotlight on important cat welfare issues while celebrating these incredible pets.”
The full list of Purr Minister 2024 candidates and their ‘Manifurstos’ can be found below.
Attlee – Submitted by Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP
“Why should I be Purr Minister? I know ‘Furrskine’ May like the back of my paw. As a DiploCat, I have a firm claw on international diplomacy and strengthening inter-purrlimentary ties. I respect the hiss-tory of Purr-liament and will purr-tect the parliamentary community. I’ll be an Advocate for ensuring fellow felines have a purrfect experience in the House.”
Chilli & Bandit – Submitted by Stella Creasy MP
“At just seven months old, we’re relentless cat welfare campaigners from Clawthamstow whose whiskers and wide eyes pawmote awareness about neutering and microchipping. When not playing kitty uppy with balloons or stealing croissants, we are also ally cats making feline femeownist videos.”
Clem & Mo – Submitted by Johanna Baxter MP
“As Clement Cattlee & Mo Meowlam, we are the purr-fect pair to deliver a Manifursto for change. We’ll be clawsome advocates fur every kitty’s right to snuggle up in pet-friendly properties, paws-itively ban extreme breeding of unhealthy traits, and lobby for universal microchips to keep all feline friends safe.”
Cookie – Submitted by Janet Daby MP
“I’m Cookie, a rescued cat who likes chess. I’m running to be Purr Minister because I have an amazing purr-sonality and believe every cat deserves a home. I back the purr-suasive policy to allow tenants to request to keep a pet, including cats! With your vote, anything is pawsible!”
Ebba – Submitted by the Lord Bishop of Newcastle Dr Helen-Ann Hartley
“I am campaigning for pet-friendly properties and understand the im-paw-tance of a safe home for my cat-stituents. I am cat-mitted to ending restrictive pet policies meow and fur-ever, and my origin as a rescue kitten means I will be a paws-on PM. A fur-ce for lasting change!”
Millie – Submitted by Dr Scott Arthur MP
“Millie’s Mission Led Government will have cat-itude: Workers’ Rights – Daily government-mandated nap time for all citizens. Democratic Reform – Larry’s dictatorship must end, the position of ‘Downing Street Cat’ will be subject to an election. Wellbeing Boost – A full review of people selling kittens online for profit.”
Mimi – Submitted by Cat Eccles MP
“Mimi the Snow Bengal is standing to be Purr Minister! I was rescued from a breeder who cast me aside when I was no longer productive. I have a lot to say for myself and am calling for mandatory reporting of cats in road traffic collisions, unlimited treatos, and more!”
Morty Plummer-Thompson – Submitted by Adam Thompson MP
“My name is Morty Plummer-Thompson, and I want to be Purr Minister because all moggins should be able to live in rented properties with their mogparents. I also think I would be good because I catch spideys very well and, while I am sometimes mean to my sister, I lufs her.”
Murphy – Submitted by Layla Moran MP
“As a 21-year-old cat, I have seen it all. I pledge to stand up for frail felines everywhere with: a triple lock on Catnip and re-instating winter fur payments for paw-sioners, removing the 2-kitten benefit cap, and enforcing tougher regulations on cat breeding.”
Scampi – Submitted by Peter Bedford MP
“Also known as ‘The Baroness’, I should be the next Purr Minister because I am the ultimate ‘no nonsense’ Diva. My house, My rules. Having seen my neighbour killed in an RTA, I believe that motorists should be legally required to report any cat road traffic accidents.”
Sprinkles – Submitted by Sadik Al-Hassan MP
“A stern but fair ruler, I have a strong sense of independence and believe strongly in pursuing sovereignty and defending territorial areas.”
The public can cast their vote for their favourite ‘cat-idate’ by 17:00 on 14 November here: https://www.battersea.org.uk/about-us/news/purr-minister-2024. The new Purr Minister will be announced on 21 November, bringing a fresh voice to Parliament’s proud feline community.
