Brian Booth to stand for PFEW national chair

Brian Booth has promised to repair the “disconnect” between the national board and its members, to put frontline officers first, stand up for officers against criticism in the media, and to “consign the toothless tiger name to history”.

In a social media post published earlier today (February 7), Mr Booth wrote: “I have thought long and hard about standing for this position, knowing that significant challenges lie ahead. I have often thought this to be a poisoned chalice.

“Having spoken to frontline colleagues and fellow chairs it is fair to say that there is a significant disconnect between members and National PFEW. Members do not feel listened to, which begs the question, how can we profess to being the voice of rank and file officers. This cannot continue.”

Mr Booth said that, a national chair, he would ensure that any significant decision affecting the membership would be balloted with a mandate taken from that. He also promised he would be “using every tool at my disposal to highlight the challenges and dangers brave colleagues face every day to keep the public safe, even in the face of political and press attacks”.

The current national chair, John Apter, has held the role since August 2018. He announced last October that he would be standing down in April and not seeking re-election. He said in a statement issued at the time: “I’ve been a fed rep for as long as I can remember; I love what the Federation and our reps do and I couldn’t be more proud of the small part I have played.

“A lot has happened since I became national chair, both professionally and personally; it’s been relentless. In all that time, all I have ever done is my best, and I hope that in some small way I have helped make a positive difference.

“I will continue to do my very best until the new national chair takes up the position in April 2022 and I wish them well in this exciting and unique role. It’s truly something special.”

In December, Mr Apter was suspended by both Hampshire Constabulary and the PFEW after allegations of sexual misconduct emerged.

Voting for the new chair begins on March 9.