Nominations sought for vice-presidential role

29/10/2019

NFU Scotland is now taking nominations for the position of Vice President.

The election of this key appointment within Scottish agriculture will take place at the Union’s council meeting at the Radisson Blu Hotel, 301 Argyle Street, Glasgow G2 8DL on Friday 7 February 2020.  The Union’s AGM, conference and annual dinner will be staged at the same venue the day before on Thursday, February 6, 2020.

Any NFUS member can be nominated for election, providing they are proposed and seconded by fellow NFUS members.   Under the terms of the constitution, those elected to the position of Vice President will initially serve for two years before the post reverts to an annual election. 

The Vice-Presidential post held by Charlie Adam, having been elected for the first time in February 2019, is not open for contest.  Vice President Martin Kennedy, having first been elected in February 2017, is currently in his third year in that post and that position is open for election.

Mr Kennedy has indicated that he will be standing for election for a further term as Vice President.

The Presidential position is held for two years and a President can serve a maximum of two consecutive two-year terms.  President Andrew McCornick, having been returned as President at the 2019 AGM has a further year in office before a new President of NFU Scotland will be elected in February 2021.

Members of NFU Scotland’s council – a body made up from representatives of each of the Union’s 73 branches – will select the successful candidate.

Anyone wishing to stand as Vice President should contact NFU Scotland CEO Scott Walker to obtain a proposal form, which must then be signed and returned to him by close of play on Wednesday, 11 December 2019.   Details on the candidates will be announced at the Union’s Christmas Press Briefing on Monday 16 December.

Mr Walker commented: “The role of Vice President presents the opportunity of representing Scottish farmers and crofters during one of the most exciting and challenging times for Scottish agriculture.  We invite applications from those keen to shape our post-Brexit farming industry.

“I would ask that anyone planning to run for Vice President contact me, and I can provide a full explanation of what is expected from the role.  For those keen to represent their fellow Scottish farmers and crofters, this is one of the most respected positions in our sector.

“As we enter a very busy time for the Union, booking has already opened for our AGM, conference and Annual dinner, being held once again in the Radisson in Glasgow on 6 and 7 February 2020.  This event remains one of the highlights on the Scottish agricultural calendar and I urge those interested in attending to book early to avoid disappointment.” 

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