Guy Smith, NFU Vice-president will not challenge current leader, Meurig Raymond in next months elections.

The Essex farmer said he would stand for re-election to his current post and also for the role of deputy president but wouldn’t stand as leader of the Union.

“I have decided to take up my nominations for my current post of NFU vice-president and for that of deputy president but not for the president post.”

“I’m very grateful to my home county of Essex for nominating me for the presidency but my view is that now is not the right time so I am not going to make that challenge this time round.”

NFU deputy president Minette Batters was yet to confirm if she would stand again for her position.

Voting will occur at the Union’s conference, which will take place in Birmingham next month, whilst nominations for the posts will close on January 15.

The NFU conference takes place in Birmingham on 23^rd to 24^th February 2016.