Hertfordshire Police Federation chair Luke Mitchell says he is looking forward to working with new national chair Tiff Lynch for the benefit of members.

Tiff has been elected as the new chair of the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW). She had been acting chair since September.

She will become only the second female chair in PFEW’s 106-year history when her duties officially begin on 1 July.

Luke: “On behalf of the branch and our members, I would like to congratulate Tiff on becoming our new national chair.

Members

“To lead our organisation, which represents 140,000 rank-and-file officers, is a big responsibility, and we will support her every step of the way.

“There are some big issues facing us, not least the pay of our members, which has fallen in real terms by 20 per cent in the past decade. Officer morale, workloads, retention are also challenges for us.

“I’m looking forward to working alongside Tiff to take on those challenges and secure a better deal for our members.

“We wish Tiff all the best in her role.”

New national PFEW chair Tiff Lynch.

PFEW chair-elect Tiff entered policing in 1995, joining Leicestershire Police. She then specialised in firearms, tactical support and frontline policing 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 the Police Federation of England and Wales from 2018 to the present day.

Nationally, Tiff has led on conduct and performance and parliamentary engagement, lobbying for the organisation - with membership and representation always at the core. 

Tiff 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. 

Pay restoration

“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. 

“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.”

READ MORE: Fed rep thanks our amazing Specials.