Tiff Lynch voted in as new national chair
24 June 2025
Gwent Police Federation chair Matthew Candy says he’s looking forward to working with new chair Tiff Lynch on the challenges facing members.
Matthew sent his congratulations to Tiff after she was voted in as the next chair of the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW).
Tiff will formally assume the role on 1 July, becoming only the second female chair in the 106-year history of the Police Federation of England and Wales.
Matthew said: “On behalf of Gwent Police Federation, I congratulate Tiff on becoming our new national chair and wish her all the best in the role.
Challenges
“As a Federation, we face a number of big challenges, not least the issue of pay and remuneration.
“Our members have suffered a real-terms cut to their pay of more than 20 per cent, but they have a bigger workload than ever.
“The current pay mechanism is not fit for purpose and needs fixing.
“We’re seeing more and more attacks on our members, falling morale, and a nationwide retention crisis.
National chair, Tiff Lynch.
“These are among the pressing issues facing us, but we will face them together.
“We look forward to working with Tiff and her national team in taking on those challenges for the good of our members.”
Tiff joined Leicestershire Police in 1995. During her career, she has worked in firearms, tactical support and as a general response and beat officer.
Her Federation career started in 2007 with progression to the post of chair of Leicestershire’s Constables Committee (2011-2014); chair of Leicestershire Police Federation (2014-2018); and National Board member of PFEW (2018-present).
Lobbying
Nationally, Tiff has led on conduct and performance and parliamentary engagement, lobbying for the organisation - with membership and representation always at the core.
Tiff was elected as the deputy national chair and assumed office from 1 June 2022. She has been carrying out duties as the acting national chair since September, seeking to drive forward the Federation’s priorities and strategy for 2028.
She said: “I am incredibly proud and honoured to become national chair of the Police Federation of England and Wales.
"Police officers put their lives on the line, and it is indefensible that pay has fallen in real terms by a fifth since 2010.
"In addition to driving forward the Copped Enough campaign, which is demanding full pay restoration and an independent pay machinery with binding arbitration, I will fight for improved health and wellbeing care, workload reform to stop burnout, and full and proper enforcement of the Police Covenant so that it makes a positive difference supporting police officers and their families.
Armchair critics
“Policing has become an easy target for politicians, the media, and armchair critics. That ends here.
"I will challenge damaging narratives, confront poor legislation, and ensure police officers’ voices are heard where it matters. I will defend the profession, challenging Government and chief officers alike, and I will not allow the courage, commitment, and professionalism of police officers to be undermined by cheap headlines, scapegoating, or political agendas.
“My purpose as national chair is simple: to stand up for police officers and lead with a clear focus; to be bold, unapologetic, and relentless in fighting for fair pay and better conditions; to protect what matters; to improve what’s not working; and to make sure the Federation stays relevant and strong in the face of ongoing challenges.
"It’s not just about being seen; it’s about getting things done.”
