Arable farmer Peter Kendall was this week elected president of the NFU, defeating the incumbent Tim Bennett.
Kendall, who was deputy president under Bennett for the past two years, received 55 of the 88 votes cast by the NFU Council. He also beat Farmers For Action chairman David Handley, who received two votes. Bennett received 31.
Kendall, 45, farms in East Bedfordshire in partnership with his brother Richard. His cousin William Kendall is former chief executive and now a director of organic chocolate products supplier Green & Black’s.
Kendall said: “Farming is at a pivotal stage, needing strong, clear leadership, representing all parts of a united industry.”
Meurig Raymond, 53, was elected deputy president, having been vice president for the past two years. Paul Temple, 44, was elected vice president.
Bennett’s defeat appears to end his NFU political career. He was not a Council member, so now holds no elected post.