NFU members in the South West questioned candidates for the Union's top three posts at a hustings meeting in Tiverton last night.
Continuity was the main theme of contributions from the current incumbents, who are all standing for reelection.
NFU president Peter Kendall (pictured right) told the meeting he acknowleged that seeking another term was 'a big ask' but said he believed it was justified because although the NFU was currently in 'fine fettle' there were a number of ongoing and difficult issues, including CAP reform and bovine TB, which required a 'consistent approach based upon relationships built up by the current team'.
Although Mr Kendall is standing unopposed, he has to secure at least 75 per cent of the vote for a fourth two-year term in office. Nor would he rule himself out of standing again after that.
Deputy-presidential hopeful Meurig Raymond was asked why he had chosen not to run for the top job, despite having been given the backing of Devon's annual open meeting for a presidential bid and indicating that he would challenge at the time of the last leadership election.
Mr Raymond said that although he still had the appetite and ambition to lead the NFU, he felt now was not the time to break up the team by putting his name forward as president and that it was crucial whoever held the office had the strongest possible mandate.
Gwyn Jones, standing again for vice-president, also said he had not felt able to seek election as president this time round because of an ongoing legal issue which he is involved in, but which he assured those present would resolve successfully, clearing the way for a bid next time.
The South West's only candidate, Devon's Anthony Rew, who is also standing for vice-president, told members his experience as a working farmer and two terms as regional board chairman meant he was well placed to take office.
For a full list of the candidates, their biographies and personal statements vist the main NFU election page here
No comments have been made.