St Osyth farmer Guy Smith has pulled out of the race for president of the National Farmers’ Union at elections next month, opting to run for vice president instead.

His reason for running had been to ensure there was an election and that favourite Meurig Raymond, now deputy, had a challenger, he said. When vice president Adam Quinney decided to run, it sparked the process. Mr Smith said he wanted to focus now on the potentially more winnable vice-presidency.

“Technically I never took up the nomination for president from my county annual general meeting but instead I have taken up the nomination for vice president from the regional board,” he said.

The nominees have been confirmed for the NFU officeholder elections 2014 to 2016 as:

President: Adam Quinney and Meurig Raymond

Deputy President: Minette Batters, Thomas Binns, David Brookes, Rosey Dunn and Adam Quinney.

Vice President: Minette Batters, Thomas Binns, Jonathan Brant, David Brookes, Rosey Dunn, Robert Lasseter and Guy Smith

The nominees will now travel around the country to every NFU region to take part in hustings.

The elections will take place at the NFU AGM on February 26. Results will be posted on NFU Online as soon as they come out.