Why did farmers turn their backs on the Conservatives at the General Election?

"Politics has not worked for farmers in a very long time"

Chris Brayford
clock • 6 min read
"In total, 88 borough constituencies and 163 rural constituencies turned against them. It was a huge swing away from the seats the Conservatives used to bank on." (iStock)
Image:

"In total, 88 borough constituencies and 163 rural constituencies turned against them. It was a huge swing away from the seats the Conservatives used to bank on." (iStock)

It has been over 90 days since Labour's General Election victory on July 4. The Conservative Party lost 251 seats, cementing its worst election defeat in over 180 years. Of those 251 seats, over...

To continue reading...

Already a member? Login for full access.

Login

New to Farmers Guardian? Register for 1 free article per week or become a member for unlimited access to essential farming news and insights.

article-img-580x358

 

More on Politics

EXCLUSIVE - Sir Alec Shelbrooke: "It is the sense of community that softens the stresses and strains of rural life"

EXCLUSIVE - Sir Alec Shelbrooke: "It is the sense of community that softens the stresses and strains of rural life"

Wetherby and Easingwold MP Sir Alec Shelbrooke writes on how the shooting industry plays an important role to the economy and rural way of life, the countryside's backlash to the proposed shotgun licence merger, and why the Government risks breaking the very spirit that's sustained farming communities for generations

Sir Alec Shelbrooke
clock 13 February 2026 • 3 min read
EXCLUSIVE - Victoria Atkins: "The relationship between this Government and the countryside is broken"

EXCLUSIVE - Victoria Atkins: "The relationship between this Government and the countryside is broken"

Shadow Defra Secretary Victoria Akins said Defra quangos and regulators need to either be scrapped or streamlined because at present, they do not serve the best interests of farmers, the countryside and the country as a whole

Victoria Atkins
clock 12 February 2026 • 3 min read
Farmers descend on Parliament Square to call for Starmer to resign as PM

Farmers descend on Parliament Square to call for Starmer to resign as PM

Sir Keir Starmer has vowed to battle on as Prime Minister, receiving the backing of Cabinet in the process, after rumours swirled earlier this week that he would resign earlier this week

Chris Brayford
clock 11 February 2026 • 3 min read