Voting opens for new national chair

15 March 2022

Derbyshire Police Federation members are being urged to vote for the next national chair with the election process now underway.

Branch chair Tony Wetton said the elections came at a turbulent time for the police service and members could ensure they had a say in the future direction of the Police Federation by taking part in the ballot.

He said: “We are electing a new national chair at what I think is a potentially pivotal time for policing.

“In the space of a few weeks we’ve had the Police Federation’s 2021 pay and morale survey, the Police Foundation’s Strategic Review and also Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary’s annual review.

“All three reports make it crystal clear that the service is in desperate need of reform and if and when that happens we are going to need a strong leadership team and a chair with a strong mandate from members and their full confidence and support.

“For that reason I think it is vitally important that our members take the time to read the candidates’ election statements and have their say about who will lead the Police Federation through these challenging times.”

The three candidates standing for election are West Yorkshire Police Federation chair Brian Booth, current national vice-chair Ché Donald and National Board member for the Metropolitan Police Federation Steve Hartshorn.

Brian said he would repair what he described as a “significant disconnect” between members and the national Police Federation by listening to members and consigning the “toothless tiger” image to history by putting up a fierce fight to get the best deal for officers.

He said he would also get on the front foot in both mainstream and social media and then give power back to the National Board to enable it to hold the executive to account.

He added: “Members do not feel listened to, which begs the question, how can we profess to be the voice of rank and file officers? This cannot continue.”

Ché said he had seen the great work of the Police Federation first-hand having worked so closely with many national and local officials but acknowledged the organisation had not always got things right.

“We have not always listened to the members as we should and put your priorities first,” he said.

“If elected as national chair, I will have an opportunity to put that right. While engagement with the members and representation has improved, there is still much more we could and should be doing to represent your interests and to fight for fairness in every aspect of your work, pay, pension, terms and conditions.”

Steve said he felt there was a lack of communication and disconnect between the members, the National Board and the chair’s office and vowed to bring unity and greater transparency while being more open to change for a better future.

He said: “I am determined to be an integral working part of the National Council and National Board that strives to hold the Government, IOPC, College of Policing and other stakeholders to account.

“We are good at representing and negotiating and have influenced many areas of policing, but I recognise that we can do better.”

The closing date for voting is 11.59pm on Wednesday 30 March 2022 and the new chair will begin their term of office on Friday 1 April.

All members are eligible to vote and will receive instructions on the process directly to their mailbox.

Members with any questions about the election process should contact their local branch.