Battersea is thrilled to announce the winner of the charity’s coveted Purr Minister 2024 title: Attlee the cat, representing Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP, Speaker of the House of Commons. This victory is particularly historic as it marks a second win for Sir Lindsay, who previously triumphed in 2020 with his previous cat, Patrick, who has since sadly passed away. Attlee clinched victory with over 18 per cent of the public vote, emerging as a standout among an enthusiastic group of eleven “cat-idates,” each bringing their own distinctive flair to the campaign.
This year’s competition saw unprecedented support, with a record number of votes cast for the candidates, all showcasing their unique personalities and commitment to feline welfare. Attlee, a seasoned ‘DiploCat’, captured the hearts of voters with his compelling ‘manifursto’. His promises to enhance international diplomacy, strengthen ‘inter-purrliamentary’ ties, and create a truly supportive environment for all parliamentary felines stood out as a testament to his experience and charm.
Bridie Williams, Battersea’s Cattery Rehoming and Welfare Manager, said: "Congratulations to Attlee on his fantastic win! This year’s Purr Minister race has been the most exciting yet, with each cat-idate bringing their own unique flair and dedication to the campaign. The creativity and enthusiasm displayed by the cats and their owners has been truly inspiring, raising vital awareness for cat welfare across the UK. We’re excited to see Attlee continue his advocacy for cats nationwide."
Known for his impeccable manners, love of sunny windowsills, and occasional forays into parliamentary ’advice’, Attlee charmed his way into both hearts and headlines, proving he’s got what it takes to be a true community leader.
Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP, Speaker of the House of Commons, and proud owner of Attlee, said: "I’m over the moon that Attlee has been crowned Purr Minister. His manifursto clearly resonated with the public, and I’m so proud of his campaign’s focus on fostering stronger community spirit and prioritising cat welfare. Thank you to everyone who voted – Attlee promises to fulfil his commitments with the grace and determination we all expect of him."
While Attlee takes the top spot, the competition celebrated the efforts of all the ‘cat-idates’, from Chilli & Bandit representing Stella Creasy MP, to the bold and charismatic Millie, championed by Dr Scott Arthur MP. Each of their ‘manifurstos’ brought fresh ideas to the table, sparking meaningful discussions around cat welfare.
This year’s contest not only celebrated feline quirks but also highlighted critical issues such as microchipping and pet-friendly properties.
The full list of this year’s shortlisted Purr Minister candidates included:
• Attlee, submitted by Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP (Winner)
• 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
For those inspired by this year’s competition, Battersea invites you to meet your own ‘purr-litical’ candidate. With many cats looking for their forever homes, there’s never been a better time to adopt or support the charity’s work. For more information about Purr Minister 2024 and to read Attlee’s winning ’manifursto’, visit https://www.battersea.org.uk/about-us/news/purr-minister-2024.
-Ends-
For further information, images or interviews please contact press@battersea.org.uk.
Notes to editors
- The Purr Minister election is open to all current members of either House of Parliament.
- 2020’s winner was Patrick, owned by Sir Lindsay Hoyle. There was no Purr Minister competition in 2021, 2022 or 2023.
- At Battersea we offer our love and expert care to dogs and cats who need us by rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals at our centres, and by sharing our knowledge and resources with other organisations around the world. We do this because we want to help every dog and cat, everywhere.
- In 2023 Battersea directly cared for 2,529 dogs and 2,450 cats at our three centres. We also helped thousands more through campaigning work, supporting other rescues and animal welfare advocates, and sharing knowledge and advice with pet owners.
- Battersea has three centres based in London; Old Windsor, Berkshire; and Brands Hatch, Kent.
- To find out more visit our website or follow Battersea on X @battersea_, Instagram @battersea or facebook.com/Battersea.