Paul Temple seeks election to NFU top table

Former NFU vice-president Paul Temple is to stand for re-election to the union’s top table.

The Yorkshire farmer who resigned for personal and business reasons in 2009 will stand for deputy president in February 2012.

Mr Temple told Farmers Weekly he felt he still had a lot to offer the union. “I still feel passionate about being part the NFU and what the NFU can do,” he said.

The post of deputy president is currently held by Meurig Raymond, who is considering challenging Peter Kendall for leadership of the union.

Union rules mean Mr Raymond would have to get 75% of the vote to stay in his current role because he will have already served three consecutive terms.

But Mr Temple would only have to secure a simple majority to oust him.

Similar rules have been in place since 1946 when the NFU changed its constitution so officeholders could serve indefinitely.

Farm leader Peter Kendall has already confirmed he will run for a fourth term as NFU president at the union’s elections next year.

He too must secure 75% of the vote to stay in his post.

Office holders will be elected by the union’s 93-strong council immediately after the union’s annual conference and AGM in February 2012.

Candidates must be nominated by 20 NFU members or at a county meeting.

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