Animal Welfare Party held its 2023 AGM on Sunday 26th February. The party’s first hybrid AGM, the meeting took place both on-line via the Zoom platform and in person at The Crown Plaza, London Kings Cross. The meeting was recorded and will be made available to party Members in due course.

Over the course of the meeting, the party’s activities over the past year, membership and financial status were reviewed. Members were thanked for all their support for the party over the past year.

AWP’s Committee of National Officers, Vanessa Hudson, Jane Smith, Louise Cobham and Jon Homan were re-elected as Leader, Deputy Leader, Treasurer and Nominating Officer, respectively.

Discussion of proposed activities in the year ahead, volunteering and candidate opportunities took place.

A range of volunteer roles the party is looking to fill were discussed.

The final part of the meeting was a special focus on upcoming elections; the May 2023 Local Elections taking place in England and Northern Ireland and the UK General Election (to be held before January 2025).

The meeting heard from Saffron Gloyne and Jane Smith who both have recent experience of campaigning in local elections.

Those interested in standing for election were encouraged to visit the party’s elections page.

Attendees were made aware that Jane Smith, will not be running for re-election to Alsager Town Council, where she has served two terms, when elections take place this May. Jane was applauded for her work and tremendous efforts as a councillor for AWP. As Deputy Leader, Jane will continue to focus on the party’s efforts nationally.

The party is thankful to all those joining the meeting both in person and on-line. After a hiatus in holding in person AGM’s, due to the coronavirus pandemic, it was wonderful to be able to meet people in person again. The party looks forward to sharing the recording with Members once available.