Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Welsh minister sacked over “unacceptable” emails
Alun Davies
Alun Davies was asked to leave government after requesting private information about opposition politicians.
Alun Davies requested private information about opposition politicians

Alun Davies, Welsh minister for natural resources and food, has been sacked after it emerged he asked civil servants for private information about the financial interests of opposition politicians.

In an email, Mr Davies asks for information about the common agricultural policy payments made to certain assembly members.

Despite being told by his staff that the information was not publicly available, Mr Davies made the request again verbally. The matter was then forwarded to first minister for Wales, Carwyn Jones.

In an official written statement released on July 8, the first minister said Mr Davies' actions were “poorly judged, inappropriate” and “unacceptable”.

“As a result,” he wrote, “I have asked the minister for natural resources and food to leave the government.

“I made this decision with some regret and would like to record my appreciation for the contribution that Alun Davies has undoubtedly made to the work of the government during his time in office.”

Mr Davies' previous duties have been divided up between other ministers.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

BSAVA partners with BVA Live 2026

News Story 1
 BSAVA is to partner with BVA Live (11-12 June 2026) to champion clinical research.

The organisation will be supporting BVA Live's Clinical Abstracts programme, showcasing selected abstracts of veterinary research throughout the event.

The clinical abstracts can be on any small animal veterinary subject, and must be based on research undertaken in industry, practice or academia. Abstracts can be presented in poster or oral formats.

Submissions will open on 15th December 2025, and close on 6th March 2026. You can register interest here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Nominations open for RCVS and VN Council elections

The nomination period for the 2026 RCVS Council and VN Council elections is now open, with three veterinary surgeon seats and two veterinary nurse seats available.

Prospective candidates can download an information pack and nomination form from the RCVS website. Individuals can nominate themselves for the elections, with the results to be announced in the spring.

Clare Paget, the recently appointed RCVS Registrar and elections returning officer, said: "If you want to play your part in influencing and moulding how the professions are regulated, and making key decisions on matters of great importance to your peers, the public and animal health and welfare, please consider standing for RCVS Council or VN Council next year."

Nominations close at 5pm on Saturday, 31 January 2026.