NFU deputy president Meurig Raymond, who had been running against president Peter Kendall, has announced his withdrawal from the leadership race; Raymond said he would no longer be challenging Mr Kendall at elections in February.

Unless another name is put forward in the next 24 hours Peter Kendall will go unchallenged as the union's leader next month. This will be Peter Kendall's fourth term as president of the union, though he is expected to serve just one more two year stint before stepping down.

Mr Raymond himself faces two challengers for his role as deputy. Paul Temple, a former vice president, and Kevin Attwood are also standing for the position. Raymond said that with important issues such as CAP reform and badger culling on the horizon, “keeping the NFU top team together is the best decision.”

Mr Raymond, who stood after securing support from the NFU's Devon branch, has not ruled out standing for the presidency at the next elections in two years time.

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