NFU elections 2024: More aspiring candidates come forward

More farmers have opened up about their plans to run for the three top officeholder job at the NFU in England, which will be contested in the new year.

The current deputy president, Essex arable farmer Tom Bradshaw, has been nominated to run for president, a position which will become vacant after Wiltshire farmer Minette Batters earlier confirmed plans to stand down after six years at the helm.

Vice-president David Exwood will face strong competition for his current role, but he may be seeking to move up the ranks himself.

See also: NFU elections 2024: Who are the early contenders?

NFU York East has nominated Lancashire livestock farmer Thomas Binns to run for the positions of deputy and vice-president.

Industry sources have told Farmers Weekly that Yorkshire livestock farmer Richard Finlay, who has been NFU Livestock Board chairman since March 2018, could also contest the roles, but he is yet to declare his hand.

Michael Oakes, a tenant dairy farmer who has been chairman of the NFU Dairy Board since 2016, has already confirmed that he plans to run for deputy and vice-president.

In a further twist, Merseyside arable farmer Olly Harrison told Farmers Weekly that he, Lincolnshire arable farmer Andrew Ward and Herefordshire mixed farmer Martin Williams were all considering running for the positions.

The three farmers have formed a mini group on WhatsApp called “Evolution” in which they are exchanging their views on how they would like to see the NFU reformed.

Nearer the elections, they plan to publish a 10-point manifesto on what they would like to see happening at the NFU over the next two years.

Fit for the future

Mr Harrison said at least one of the three farmers would stand in the elections, but they would leave it closer to the January deadline for applications before making a decision. In order to stand, they may request signatures of support from county members.

“Me, Martin Williams and Andrew Ward have recognised there needs to be big changes within the NFU in order for it to be fit for the future and deliver for members,” said Mr Harrison, NFU Combinable Crops Board member for the North West, who farms 384ha of arable land on the urban fringe near Liverpool.

“We feel they have been let down and are hanging off the back of a bus and not driving it.”

But he added: “The NFU can punch well above its weight for farmers, with its huge wealth of staff and strong financial position.”

Hampshire farmer Matt Culley and Yorkshire farmer Rachel Hallos have also been touted as potential candidates.

A series of hustings has been announced, starting in Salisbury, Wiltshire, on 15 January (see panel). Nominations will close at 5pm on 7 January 2024. Candidates must also provide a 150-word statement in support of their nomination. 

The NFU elections will take place at a special meeting of NFU council at the end of the union’s conference at the ICC in Birmingham on 21 February 2024.