Statement from outgoing Cumbria Police Federation Chair, Paul Williams

31 May 2023

A statement from outgoing Cumbria Police Federation Chair, Paul Williams:

I would like to inform you all that I have been successful in my application to become part of the National board at PFEW. This is something I have worked towards for some time and I am very pleased to be able to continue doing federation work albeit in a completely different arena. This of course means that I have to step away from being Chair of Cumbria Branch and handover to the new Cumbria Chair Ed Russell.

Ed is a very experienced rep and I am extremely confident that he will do well in this role.

I have been the Chair of Cumbria Federation for over four years and it has been an immensely challenging but rewarding role and I have learned a huge amount on the journey. I have also represented many members, had the pleasure of taking the brave officers to the national bravery awards and being there to help members in all kinds of areas of policing. I will continue to work as hard as I can for the membership and the federation

I am very proud to have been in this role and I am also a little sad to leave it as I have worked closely with a solid team for some time now. I want to thank Jamie McTear our secretary/Treasurer and conduct and performance lead Paul McMillan who have both assisted me greatly in Cumbria Branch. I also wish to thank the Branch council as a whole and all the important work the work place reps take on. Wishing you the very best of luck.

I wish Ed all the best in taking over as Chair, it is not a role for the faint hearted but it can also be very enjoyable. I will still remain visible and available to assist Ed and the branch.

My start date is 1^st June and I will be hitting the ground running. I really want to take this opportunity to thank all of the membership for your support and the senior management for working with me on many complex subject matters.

Please stay safe and continue to look after yourselves and each other and it’s now over to Ed.