Exwood challenges Bradshaw for NFU president
David Exwood and Tom Bradshaw © NFU NFU members will choose their next president following an election after the union’s annual conference next month, with president Tom Bradshaw facing a direct challenge from his deputy, David Exwood.
Mr Bradshaw, a fourth-generation arable farmer based in Fordham, Essex, is seeking a second term after leading the organisation through what he describes as “an incredibly challenging and highly pressurised period”.
In his personal statement, he said: “The relationships we’ve invested time and energy building, with politicians and stakeholders, have started to pay dividends and are evident with changes to IHT.”
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He added that the NFU has emerged with “an enhanced reputation across Whitehall which gives me confidence for the future”.
He said that in a volatile global climate, “politicians need to recognise the strategic importance of farming and growing and deliver on the words ‘food security is national security’.”
He urged members to unite to secure “the enabling framework and fair returns that underpins a thriving, profitable farming industry.”
NFU elections 2026: Important dates and venues
NFU
Monday 19 January, 4pm to 6pm – South region hustings, Mercure Bristol North (The Grange Hotel), Northwoods, Old Gloucester Rd, Bristol, BS36 1RP
Tuesday 20 January, 5.30pm to 7.30pm – Midlands region hustings, NFU HQ, Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, CV8 2TZ
Wednesday 21 January, 10am to 12pm – North region hustings, Holiday Inn Darlington, A1 Scotch Corner, DL10 6NR
Wednesday 21 January, 5.30pm to 7.30pm – East region hustings, NFU offices, 18 Smith Square, London, SW1P 3HZ
Wednesday 25 February – NFU national officeholder elections, take place after NFU conference
NFU Cymru
Tuesday 13 January, 7pm – 9pm – South Wales hustings, The Plough, Rhosmaen, Llandeilo, SA19 6NP
Wednesday 14 January, 1pm – Virtual officeholder hustings (members only)
Wednesday 14 January, 7pm – 9pm – North Wales hustings, Bala Golf Club, Penlan, Bala, LL23 7YD
Tuesday 20 January to Wednesday 21 January – Cymru region hustings and presidential team elections, The Future Inn, Hemingway Rd, Cardiff, CF10 4AU
- NFU members must book their spots for hustings and other events in advance through the NFU website
Competitive elections
Mr Exwood, who is standing for both president and deputy president, says the contest itself reflects the organisation’s strength.
“The strength of the NFU is its democracy and it’s important that there are competitive elections at all levels,” he said.
Having served as vice- and deputy president for the past four years, Mr Exwood believes his record makes the case for promotion, citing his experience in “building relationships, delivering in my policy areas and achieving as part of the NFU team”.
He said: “I am standing for the positions of president and deputy president because I have clear ambition to lead the organisation and the industry now or in the future.”
Mr Exwood, a mixed farmer based just south of Horsham, West Sussex, said his focus was on helping British farmers “grow more food with less impact, and have younger farmers at the forefront”.
Deputy and vice-president contests
The presidential race runs alongside contests for the posts of deputy president and vice-president.
Vice-president Rachel Hallos, a tenant hill farmer based in Ripponden, West Yorkshire, says she has “listened with intent, spoken with clarity, built relationships and worked as a team”, and wants to continue bridging “the gap between policy and practical farming”.
Paul Tompkins, the NFU’s Dairy Board chairman and a dairy farmer based in the Vale of York, is campaigning on a vision for “a confident, productive and sustainable farming sector”.
He says he will stand up for “fair, transparent supply chains, practical regulation, investment in people and policies that back English and Welsh farm businesses of every size”.
Robyn Munt, NFU Isle of Wight county chairman and a fifth-generation beef, sheep and arable farmer, stresses an “innovative, inclusive and positive future” and wants to bring members together to build resilient, sustainable farm businesses that meet “the changing demands of society and the environment”.
Mark Jeffery, a mixed beef, sheep and arable farmer based in Wiltshire, is also standing for vice-president. He highlighted his experience representing NFU members, community engagement, and work promoting agriculture to schools and the public.
The candidates will take part in regional hustings ahead of the national vote at the NFU conference on 25 February.
NFU Cymru elections
Abi Reader © NFU Cymru
Separately, NFU Cymru has confirmed nominations for its presidential team elections, with all 11 counties backing current deputy president Abi Reader to become president.
Ms Reader is a dairy, livestock and arable farmer from Glamorgan, and a former county and dairy board chairman.
The deputy president post is contested, with nominations accepted from Martin Griffiths of Ceredigion, Robert Powell of Brecon and Radnor, and Paul Williams of Clwyd.
Virtual and in-person hustings will be held in the coming weeks, ahead of elections at NFU Cymru council on 20 January, where members will question candidates before voting.