<2>Allowing Younger Doctors to Vote: A Watershed Moment for the Royal College of Physicians
<3>Historic Reform: Expanding Voting Rights to Resident Doctors and Newly Appointed Consultants
The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has introduced landmark changes allowing resident doctors and newly appointed consultants to vote in key RCP elections, marking a significant milestone in the college’s 500-year history. For the first time, RCP members are eligible to vote in this month’s 2026 elections for vice presidents and councillors, a power previously restricted to fellows.
<3>The Move Towards Greater Inclusivity
The change comes after RCP fellows voted last year to back the extension of voting rights to members. This decision is part of a wider programme of reform at the RCP following a review by the King’s Fund in 2024, which identified “a pervasive lack of trust and confidence” in the college’s governance relating to how it handled members’ concerns over physician associates.
<3>Updated Bylaws and a New Era of Participation
To facilitate the change, the RCP has updated its own bylaws to allow collegiate members to vote in elections for vice presidents and councillors. This move is expected to increase participation and engagement among RCP members,