New website launched

The Political Animals rugby league football club today launched their brand new website – www.politicalanimals.org.uk. The club comprises politicians from all parties, working in Parliament and local government. Anyone who has sought election is eligible to play, as are Parliamentary staff and invited members of the All-Party Parliamentary Group.

Pressing the button to go live, Club Captain Greg Mulholland, MP for Leeds North West, said

“The Political Animals is the first time that a group of politicians have come together to form a rugby league club, so we are delighted to be making our little bit of rugby league history. We bring together politicians throughout the UK to play rugby league and promote the game. By engaging with colleagues in Parliament and in central and local government, we hope to raise the profile of the game and demonstrate the important role the sport plays in communities. Having a presence on the web gives us an opportunity to demonstrate to people that we’re not just paying lip-service and actually play the game.”

Speaking ahead of the launch, Club President Mike ‘Stevo’ Stephenson said “It’s great that we have a team of politicians playing rugby league. I know what a wonderful game our sport is, but you can’t truly appreciate it until you’ve laced up your boots and stepped onto the park to face opposition. As Club President, I wholeheartedly lend my support to the Club, the players and all those they are trying to work with.”

The brainchild of Mulholland, a team of politicians first played at Headingly in 2008 against a Journalists XIII. A year later the Political Animals were born and have begun to play in that guise. The club exists to raise the profile of the sport with Politicians and other decision makers as well as raise money for rugby league related charities. For information about the club, including details of how to register for news about the Animals, visit www.politicalanimals.org.uk.