Four YFC members are vying for the position of Vice Chair of Council at this year’s NFYFC Council elections, which will be held on 22 February 2026.
With only two Vice Chair seats available, the four members will be canvasing for support in the build-up to the elections, while the NFYFC Chair position is uncontested.
Jessica Rose, 31, from Tuxford YFC in Nottinghamshire has been the Vice Chair of Council for the past two years and is hoping to secure the top role as NFYFC Chair this year.
Jessica, who is a former County Chair for Nottinghamshire and has been involved in YFC for 14 years, said:
“I have so much love and passion for our incredible organisation and everything it provides our members. I want to help contribute towards futureproofing the longevity of our Federation, enabling many more generations to come to benefit and enjoy all it has to offer.”
Hoping to support Jessica in her role are four candidates from different areas of the Federation.
Alex McMenemy, 29, from County Durham has served as Vice Chair of Council since February 2025 and is hoping to continue in the role for another year.
Alex, who is also County Chair for Durham, said she felt senior member retention is one of the biggest issues facing YFC.
“Retention of senior members is one of our biggest challenges. However, this also presents a major opportunity: by listening to our membership and offering something for everyone, we can keep members engaged and ensure they continue to benefit from everything YFC offers.
“Having had the privilege of serving as Vice Chair this past year, I would be delighted to continue in the role, building on the experience and knowledge gained.”
Alex will be challenged by Luke Brignall, 24, from Beacon YFC in East Riding of Yorkshire, Niall Evans, 31 from Builth Wells YFC in Brecknock and Thomas Oatey, 28, from Liskeard YFC in Cornwall.
Luke, who is a former County Chair and the youngest nominee, said he wants to ensure communication between NFYFC and clubs is clear and transparent.
“Sometimes it can feel like decisions are made quite far away from clubs, and it’s important that members understand what’s happening and feel connected to it,” said Luke. “I will represent members by being visible, approachable and by genuinely listening to what people have to say.”
Niall is hoping his experience of chairing Rural Youth Europe as well as his county will win over the voters to secure him a seat at NFYFC’s top table.
He’s been involved in YFC for 15 years and wants to find ways to keep senior members engaged.
“The average membership age is getting younger year on year at an increasing rate and we need to find a way to keep members through to 28,” said Niall. “I have never been afraid to stand up for the members and whether the opinion is popular or not it doesn’t worry me as that is my job to make sure that the views are heard.”
Further south, Thomas Oatey is hoping his experience on the NFYFC Board of Management will stand him in good stead.
Thomas sees huge opportunities around NFYFC’s centenary and believes it could rejuvenate the Federation.
“As we approach NFYFC’s centenary in 2032, we have a huge opportunity to build on our legacy and shape what members want the Federation to look like in the next 100 years,” explained Thomas who said he was “passionate and committed” to YFC.
“I will dedicate my life to this role to ensure I act on the members’ behalf to achieve what we set out to do,” he added.
The elections will take place at NFYFC’s Council meeting on 22 February at the Quality Hotel in Allesley, Warwickshire. All members of the Council are given the opportunity to vote for who they would like to be on the officer team.
The meeting will follow on from Steering Group meetings on the Saturday, where YFC members represent their counties on four leading groups – Membership & Marketing, Personal Development, Competitions and YFC AGRI.
Elections for new chairs and vice chairs of steering groups will also take place on the Saturday before they report back to Council on Sunday.
