The candidates for this year's RCVS Council election have been announced, many of whom will be coming to the VetSurgeon.org forums to lay out their stalls and explain why you should vote for them.

A record number of veterinary surgeons - 14 - are contesting six seats in the RCVS Council election. Veterinary surgeons may each vote for up to six candidates to fill these seats, which fall vacant as elected Council member's terms of office expire at the RCVS Annual General Meeting (6 July). In 2012, five existing Council members are seeking re-election, and nine new candidates are standing.

Of the 42 RCVS Council members, four are appointed by the Privy Council, 14 by the veterinary schools and 24 by direct election; each member serves a four year term. This year's candidates are:

1. Mr Christopher Barker BVSc MLitt CertVR MRCVS
2. Ms Amanda Boag VetMB MA DipACVIM MRCVS
3. Dr Robert 'Bertie' Ellis BVSc PhD MRCVS
4. Mr Edward Gillams BVSc MRCVS
5. Mrs Catherine Goldie BVSc MVM CertVR MRCVS
6. Mr Charles Gruchy VetMB MA MRCVS
7. Mr Christopher House BVetMed MRCVS
8. Dr Barry Johnson BVSc DVSc (h.c.) MRCVS
9. Mr Thomas Lonsdale BVetMed MRCVS
10. Mr David Mason BVetMed MRCVS
11. Prof Stephen May VetMB MA PhD DEO DVR DipECVS FRCVS
12. Dr Jonathan Ruben BVM&S PhD MRCVS
13. Mr Richard Stephenson BVMS CertVR CertEP MRCVS
14. Dr Christopher 'Kit' Sturgess MA VetMB PhD CertVR CertVC DSAM MRCVS

Voting opens from Friday 9 March and all veterinary surgeons eligible to vote should receive their ballot papers shortly. Votes must be received by 5pm on 27 April 2012 and, as in previous years, can be cast online, by post, or by text message

PS: Whilst you're here, take a moment to see our latest job opportunities for vets.