EXCLUSIVE: Mo Metcalf-Fisher - "Change does not start with a return to the mistakes of the past. It means legislating for rural communities, not against them"

How Sir Keir squandered an important opportunity to build on the goodwill given to him at the General Election

Jane Thynne
Head of News and Business
clock • 3 min read
Protesters gather outside Defra to show their anger at Labour's rural policies
Image:

Protesters gather outside Defra to show their anger at Labour's rural policies

Prior to the General Election in 2024, Sir Keir Starmer set about making his party relevant to rural people again. Labour had spent 14 long years in the political wilderness, in denial about accepting...

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 Blogs

OPINION: Does Sir Keir's early exit scupper Defra's long-term farming vision?

OPINION: Does Sir Keir's early exit scupper Defra's long-term farming vision?

Labour's Farming Roadmap has outlined agriculture policy until 2050 but will yet another change at the top mean it could barely get a fortnight?

Jane Thynne
clock 25 June 2026 • 3 min read
Opinion: Clare Wise – "Another PM with no rural leaning is hardly going to set farming hearts and minds alight with hope"

Opinion: Clare Wise – "Another PM with no rural leaning is hardly going to set farming hearts and minds alight with hope"

Following Keir Starmer's resignation, County Durham livestock farmer Clare Wise says the next Prime Minister must either listen, or get out of the way to ensure farmers can do their job

Clare Wise
clock 22 June 2026 • 3 min read
Opinion: Ann Davies – "Shows are a celebration of culture and identity"

Opinion: Ann Davies – "Shows are a celebration of culture and identity"

From local fields to national showgrounds agricultural shows are well worth a visit this summer sayd the Plaid Cymru MP

Jane Thynne
clock 20 June 2026 • 4 min read