A third staff organisation has confirmed a new leader.

The pensions lead for frontline officers in Northern Ireland is the new head of their Federation.

The new Chair of the Police Federation for Northern Ireland is Liam Kelly who is also currently Secretary of the representative body.

Mr Kelly succeeds Mark Lindsay who is retiring from the post in May 2022 after nine years in charge.

He fills the last vacancy among the staff organisations with the Police Superintendents’ Association and Police Federation for England and Wales both also recently having changed their leadership.

Mr Kelly, who became a police officer in 1994 after completing a law degree, said he was “immensely proud, humbled and honoured” to have received the unanimous support of the PFNI Central Committee.

He faces a challenging year ahead with Northern Ireland’s institutions again in limbo and battles continuing over backdated pay deals.

But it is also a year that will mark the centenary of the Royal Ulster Constabulary’s formation.

Although the Fed has good relations with the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s leadership, concern remains among some grassroots officers over attempts to normalise the Service being led by Chief Constable Simon Byrne.

Mr Kelly said: “I will continue to work tirelessly for officers and be a strong voice and advocate for them across a whole range of issues.”

His career as an officer has focused on operational roles and includes promotions to Sergeant and then Inspector.

Like his predecessor, Mr Kelly has worked to support Police Treatment Centres and he is a Board member of the Police Retraining and Rehabilitation Trust.

He paid tribute to Mr Lindsay: “Officers knew Mark had their back and best interests at heart. His experience, knowledge, insightful contributions and forthright advocacy were greatly valued by his colleagues. As he retires, I want to personally thank him for his long service and wish him well for the future.”

Mark Lindsay signed off: “Liam has been PFNI Secretary for three years and has great in-depth knowledge particularly around pensions, equality and working practices.

"I have no doubt that when he takes up his new role as Chair, he will continue to confront difficult issues and robustly and fairly advocate for the brave men and women I have been privileged to represent.”