Former MP Jo Churchill has been appointed as the next chair of the NPA, replacing Norfolk pig farmer Rob Mutimer, who steps down after five years as the NPA’s figurehead.
Ms Churchill, who served as MP for Bury St Edmunds from 2015 to 2024, will take up the role on March 16, bringing experience and influence in both the public and private sectors to the role.
She entered Parliament as a Conservative MP after a career that encompassed building her own successful business, representing her local area and sitting on boards.
During her nine years as an MP, she held various roles, including as a government whip, in the Department of Health during the covid crisis, and at Defra, where she was appointed Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Agri-Innovation and Climate Adaptation in September 2021 overseeing the Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Bill.
She was Vice-Chamberlain of the Royal Household during the Queens passing and the Coronation and finished her Parliamentary career as Minister of State for Employment.
Change of direction
The appointment marks a change of direction for the NPA, which has previously appointed pig producers as chair.
NPA chief executive Lizzie Wilson said: “This change of approach reflects both the increased pressures on pig farm businesses, but also the desire for us as a lobbying organisation to continue punching above our weight with a hard hitter like Jo!”
“We are absolutely delighted to have appointed someone of her calibre, experience and character. She will significantly add to our ability to have our voice heard on behalf of members and will help provide leadership and direction for our hard-working team.”
Ms Churchill added: “It is a real honour to take on this role as chair of one of farming’s most prominent membership bodies.
“During my time as an MP and coming from one of the country’s key pig farming areas, I was well aware of the NPA and the high esteem it is held in and the great work it does representing the industry.
“I am also acutely conscious of the challenges facing the pig sector on multiple fronts, as it continues to rebuild and move forward.
“So, I look forward to getting stuck in, meeting people from across the industry and using my skills and experience to help deliver positive change for this iconic sector.”
Exemplary leadership
Mrs Wilson also thanked Mr Mutimer, who she said had served with ‘distinction and a welcome calm’ during some of the hardest years the pig sector will ever face.
She said: “No sooner had Rob taken on the role than the industry was plunged into crisis. His leadership during that time was exemplary, fronting up in the media engagement and providing stable support for the team.
“We thank Rob for his service, not just for the past five years, but for all his work with the NPA before that. Personally, he has not only been my chair, always providing support and sage counsel, but also my mentor as a new chief exec. We wish Rob the very best as he returns to life as a full-time farmer!”
Mr Mutimer, who, with his wife, Helen, runs an 800-sow outdoor unit and wholesale butchery business in north Norfolk, said: “It has been an honour and a privilege to serve as the NPA’s chair for the past five years. At times it has been incredibly difficult but I have enjoyed the challenge.
“I want to pay tribute to the hugely effective and hard-working team and to welcome Jo to the role – I know she will do a fantastic job.”