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Committed to serving all ranks

On Friday, 26 April 2013, I was elected as chairman of Leicestershire Police Federation (LPF), a position I am pleased and honoured to have secured.

But, before I give those of you who do not know me a little more on my background and my pledge to serve LPF members, I would just like to pay tribute to my predecessor, Ivan Stafford, who had to stand down from this post before any of us would have wished. Ivan made a great contribution to LPF, as both a representative and as chairman, and we will miss him, not least because of his extensive knowledge of the law.

Now, here's my background. My service has been a half and half mix of uniform, plus two years' colonial service, and CID duties, with my last 10 years being spent with the major crime unit (latterly EMSOU). The overall experience, and the last 10 years in particular, has given me what I consider to be a broadly balanced policing experience and outlook. I have been fortunate to have operated at a level that has often been outside the decision-making model that some would expect from my rank (constable).

In Federation terms, I was first a Federation representative in 1982 and in recent years I've been the DJD CBB rep, the CBB vice chair, safety rep and equality rep. I am PIP, media, conduct and advocacy trained. I'm the regional rep for the National Detective Forum. I've been in the Federation office for the last year as the deputy secretary and treasurer and building a caseload and portfolio of work. Sadly, I've actually spent more time working with legal professionals in the last year than I used to in my old role, and have now got to grips with the business side of LPF, providing member services and medical cover. We have done much here for all of the membership, but there is still work to be done that I will see through.

And so back to rank issues. I'm proud to hold an office position on a Federation Joint Branch Board that I see has cohesion without separatist egos or issues.

I will not lose sight of this cohesion. I am confident I can, and will, speak for ALL of this Board and therefore all of our members from constables through to chief inspectors. To that end, I'll wear the right glove for the day, be that a silk glove or a boxing glove! I believe I know when we need to be realistic and have one of those brutally frank talks, or when it's time to sharpen the sword and fight to the end.

I remain utterly committed to do the right thing for the membership.

John Hughes
Chairman
Leicestershire Police Federation