Veterinary voices in politics: Danny Chambers

Posted on: 28 August 2025 by Christina Ratcliffe (BVSc 2020), Communications Officer for the University of Liverpool Veterinary Alumni Association in Community

Dr Danny Chambers (BVSc 2008) is now MP for Winchester and used his maiden speech in the House of Commons in 2024 to highlight mental health within the veterinary profession, and to share his ambition to champion mental health, especially for young people.

Christina caught up with Danny to hear about his memories of Liverpool, his varied veterinary career, and how those experiences now shape his work in politics.

Content warning – this article refers to suicide and mental health struggles that may be distressing for some readers.

C: First of all, what do you remember about your time at Liverpool?

D: I have brilliant memories of my time at Liverpool – the Vet School had a real sense of community and camaraderie. Staff continually inspired me by their ability to combine deep knowledge with humanity. They didn’t just teach us science – they taught us the responsibility and the privilege of being a vet. The friendships I formed, with staff and fellow students, while at Liverpool vet school have endured to this day.

Some of the clinical rotations at Leahurst stay with me to this day – both the cases we saw and the clinicians who taught me. It was also at Liverpool where I did my intercalated MSc - that’s when I first started thinking about the bigger picture – about how animal health connects to human health, the environment, and wider society. That thinking shaped everything I’ve done since, and the perspective it gave me very much informs my work in parliament on global health and public health.

C: Where has your career taken you since your days as a veterinary student?

D: I've had a brilliant career so far — it's been exciting, challenging, varied and has enabled me to work all over the world. After graduating, I worked in mixed practice, eventually moving from farm work into equine work with some small animal locuming.

My veterinary training has taken me to extraordinary places. I've worked on projects in Iraq, Gambia, Morocco, and India, treating everything from working horses in the Atlas Mountains to street dogs in Jaipur. I've also worked in New Zealand, where my mum is from.

Beyond clinical work, I served on the RCVS Council for 8 years and became deeply interested in equality of opportunity and influencing change at a wider level.

I eventually was driven to stand for Parliament, feeling we desperately need more people with science training given that the biggest issues we face are global and scientific in nature — how do we feed 8 billion people sustainably? There was a real need for more politicians who care deeply about social issues — like poverty, child wellbeing, access to mental health care, and the importance of things like free school meals. These aren’t just moral imperatives; addressing them is one of the smartest ways to improve life chances and strengthen the economy in the long run. We need more compassion and empathy in politics — qualities that, in recent years, have sometimes been in short supply.

I was elected as the MP for Winchester in 2024 and now serve as the Liberal Democrat spokesperson for mental health. I have recently had an article published in Nature about antimicrobial resistance in conflict zones. It's been an unconventional journey — from lambing sheds to the House of Commons — but every step has taught me something important.

C: How has your experience as a veterinary surgeon shaped your approach to mental health advocacy?

D: Working as a vet, I saw first-hand how mental health challenges affected not just my colleagues but also farmers, clients, and the wider rural community. Veterinary work can be incredibly rewarding, but also isolating, emotionally demanding, and unforgiving. The experience of colleagues struggling in silence – or worse, not surviving – made me determined to do something about this.

In my maiden speech, I wanted to set out clearly that mental health is as important as physical health, and I wanted to highlight the many factors that can contribute to poor mental health, including living in poverty.

C: Can you share any current initiatives you are involved in to champion mental health?

D: As the Liberal Democrat spokesperson for mental health, I’ve been working hard to hold the government to account on the mental health crisis — especially among children and young people. In Parliament, I’ve raised serious concerns about the fact that some young people are waiting years for support. The impact this has on families is devastating, and early intervention is critical.

Locally, I’ve campaigned alongside our brilliant mental health hospital and Winchester Citizens Advice, who run an innovative joint project that helps people with mental health issues manage financial stress, benefits, and life admin. It might sound simple, but the impact is huge — supporting people in this way not only helps them feel more in control but also shortens recovery times, saving the NHS money and easing pressure on stretched mental health services.

I’ve also spent time with Winchester Youth Counselling, a fantastic local charity that provides free, confidential counselling for young people aged 11–25. They do life-changing work — offering a safe, non-judgemental space for young people dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, identity issues, and more. Services like theirs are crucial at a time when demand for youth mental health support is at record highs, and statutory services can’t keep up.

Nationally, I’m currently serving on the cross-party committee scrutinising the new Mental Health Bill — the biggest piece of mental health legislation to come before Parliament in 40 years. We’re going through it line by line to make sure it’s robust, rights-based, and fit for the 21st century. It’s a huge amount of work, but vital.

Mental health shouldn’t be treated as an afterthought. It should be embedded across society — in education, healthcare, housing, farming, and even how we support small businesses. I’ll keep pushing for that at every level.

C: Danny, you have also been a trustee of Vetlife. What were some of the key challenges and rewarding moments you encountered?

Being a trustee of Vetlife was one of the most meaningful roles I’ve ever held. It was also deeply personal. I stepped into the role after the tragic loss of my good friend and fellow vet, Sarah Brown, who died by suicide. Taking on that responsibility was emotional and sobering, but it also gave me a powerful sense of purpose — to try and ensure that no one in our profession feels they have nowhere to turn.

Vetlife is a vital organisation that provides confidential, 24/7 support to vets, nurses, and students. One of the biggest challenges during my time as trustee was simply keeping up with demand. Year on year, more people have reached out for help — which is a sign both of growing need and, positively, growing awareness. But with that comes the pressure to secure sustainable funding and maintain enough trained volunteers to ensure the service is always there when people need it.

One of the things I particularly enjoy is giving talks to vet students and recent graduates — not just about how to survive in practice, but how to thrive. Because despite the challenges, I genuinely love being a vet. I love the clinical challenge, I love the animals, and I love the relationship and interaction with owners. It’s a unique, rewarding career, and I want more people in the profession to feel that joy.

I do think we've been caught in a bit of a doom loop in recent years — understandably, given the pressures — but we also need to reclaim the positives. Veterinary medicine can be hard, but it can also be incredibly fulfilling, and we should celebrate that just as much as we address the difficult parts. Veterinary medicine is the best qualification of them all and can lead to a career that is beyond your wildest dreams!

C: What do you do to look after your mental health?

D: I’ve learned the hard way that you can’t look after animals — or other people — unless you look after yourself first. Whether you’re a vet or an MP, it’s incredibly easy to let your own wellbeing slide, to say yes to everything, and to push yourself to the point of burnout.

What helps me is staying connected to friends and getting outside. That’s why I absolutely love the Veterinary Voices Hiking Group we set up a few years ago. It combines the best things for mental health — fresh air, exercise, and good company — and it’s been brilliant to see how many vets have found it helpful.

I also try to be honest when things are tough. We talk a lot about ending the stigma around mental health, but that must start with each of us being open and modelling the kind of conversations we want others to have. And sometimes, looking after your mental health is about recognising your limits — learning to say “no” when you're overstretched.

I’ll be honest, I’m still working on that part. The demands on an MP’s time and energy can be relentless — in many ways, even more than being a vet — so I’m going to have to learn to carve out time for rest and reflection.

C: Finally, what advice would you give current vet students considering exploring policy and politics in their future careers?

D: Do it! Vets bring a unique perspective to public life — we're grounded in science, ethics, and real-world problem solving. Animal welfare, public health, farming, climate change, antimicrobial resistance — these are all deeply political issues where veterinary expertise is desperately needed.

Start small and build from there. Get involved in something you care about through a student society, charity, or simply by writing to your MP about issues that matter to you. Don't wait for permission or feel you need decades of experience first.

That said, I'd strongly recommend getting some years in practice and real-life experience before making the leap into politics. People have become disillusioned with politicians who study politics, work for an MP, then become an MP, having never worked outside of Westminster. Your credibility comes from having done the job, from understanding the challenges practitioners face daily, and from bringing that authentic experience to policy discussions.

If you're curious about policy, consider doing a fellowship, interning in Parliament, or joining a committee in a professional organisation. The RCVS, BVA, and other veterinary bodies are always looking for engaged members to help shape the profession's future.

And if you want to get a real taste of what political life is like, you're always welcome to volunteer on my campaign — it's exciting! There's nothing quite like knocking on doors and talking to people about the issues that matter to them.

Most importantly, remember that your veterinary degree isn't a limit — it's a launchpad. The analytical thinking, ethical framework, and critical thinking skills you develop as a vet are exactly what's needed in policy and politics. We need more vets in leadership roles, both inside and outside the profession.

If you've got that fire in your belly to make things better, follow it. The world needs veterinary voices in the rooms where decisions are made.

What an empowering note to end on. Thank you, Danny, for telling us more about your journey from vet student to MP. If you would like to share your story, get in touch with ULVAA Communications Officer Christina Ratcliffe (BVSc 2020).

Where to get help for mental health

Samaritans
Samaritans provides a safe place to talk 24 hours a day.
Phone: 116 123
Visit the Samaritans website

PAPYRUS HOPELINE247
PAPYRUS HOPELINE247 offer support, practical advice and information to young people considering suicide and can also offer help and advice if you’re concerned about someone you know.
Phone: 0800 068 41 41 (24/7)

In an emergency, or if you don’t feel that you can keep yourself safe, go to accident and emergency (A&E), or call 999 for an ambulance. Or you can contact your local NHS mental health crisis line. For Liverpool, call 0800 145 6570. If you’re outside of Liverpool, find out where to get urgent help for your mental health via 111.

More information on mental health support is available on the NHS website.