First PFEW National Board members elected

The former chair, Calum Macleod, Vice Chair Ché Donald and unsuccessful Chair contender Phill Matthews are among the 14 chosen to represent the regions. 

Four other representatives are due to be elected by the end of the month to complete the board, which will become effective from September 1. 

It is the first time the National Board has been chosen through such a vote after major democratic reforms were introduced this year. 

The reforms, in response to recommendations made by the Independent Review chaired by Sir David Normington, included implementing greater democracy at the national level. John Apter became the first PFEW chair to be chosen in a vote by the full membership earlier this month. 

The board’s first meeting will take place on September 17 when the Principal Officer positions – Vice-Chair, Deputy General Secretary, Treasurer and Deputy Treasurer – will be voted in by its members. The National General Secretary will be appointed via a selection process in September. 

The National Board will comprise Mr Apter and the following regional members elected on August 14: 

North West – Barry Fletcher and Ian Saunders; 

North East – Zuleika Payne and Adrian Smiles; 

Midlands – Peggy Lamont and Hayley Aley; 

East – Craig Hewitt and Phill Matthews; 

South East – Ché Donald and Karen Stephens; 

South West – Alex Duncan and Simon Kempton; 

Wales – Calum Macleod and Zac Mader; and 

London – Clive Knight, John Partington, Belinda Goodwin and Steve Hartshorn. 

It will be the first time Zuleika Payne, Peggy Lamont, Clive Knight, Belinda Goodwin and Steve Hartshorn have served at the national level.