An influential Cumbrian farmer has lost out in his bid to land a seat at the top table of the National Farmers’ Union.

Alistair Mackintosh had launched his bid to become president of the powerful lobbying group.

But at the union’s annual conference yesterday he pulled out of the presidency race and was unsuccessful in securing the deputy presidency.

Mr Mackintosh, 57, of Muncaster Home Farm, Ravenglass, west Cumbria, is one of the vocal advocates for the industry in Cumbria.

He told the News & Star after a tense election battle in Birmingham that he was “disappointed” to have lost out.

One of the most intriguing election NFU leadership elections in recent memory saw no change to the three main contenders for the top jobs.

Meurig Raymond, president for the last two years having previously been deputy for eight, won his fight for another two-year term.

This was despite what was being suggested as a serious challenge for the presidency from deputy, Wiltshire farmer Minette Batters, who was bidding to become the union’s first female president in its 107 year history.

The NFU’s 90-strong council, comprising mainly county chairmen and delegates, who in most cases, brought the recommendation of members, saw Ms Batters re-elected as deputy president and Essex farmer Guy Smith for another two years as vice-president.

By maintaining the status-quo, the union has embraced Mr Raymond’s experience and knowledge ahead of the huge challenges, such as Europe, looming for the farming industry over the next two years.

Mr Raymond was most recently in Cumbria to see the trail of damage left by December’s floods but has been in the county previously to tackle issues such as the price crisis in the dairy industry.