Labour is facing growing anger from rural communities and councils over its controversial Family Farm Tax, which could have serious consequences for small family farms. With 22 councils—representing 10 million people—officially opposing the tax, Labour MPs in rural areas are under pressure to act or risk losing their seats
The tax aims to reform inheritance tax on farmland, targeting wealthy investors who use farmland to avoid taxes. However, critics say the plan doesn’t just affect the rich—it could also harm small family farms that are the backbone of rural communities.
Mo Metcalf-Fisher, from the Countryside Alliance, explained:
“This tax could devastate small family farms. It wasn’t thought through, and Labour MPs in rural areas feel abandoned by their own party.”
The anger is spreading beyond farmers. Many people in rural areas see the policy as unfair and damaging, not just to farmers but to the wider rural economy. Labour councils are feeling the heat, too, with 22 councils already passing motions to oppose the tax
The situation is especially bad for Labour MPs who represent rural areas. Many won their seats in the last election with slim majorities and are now worried about losing them. Reports suggest 50 Labour MPs are deeply concerned about the tax, with some joining WhatsApp groups to discuss how to handle the backlash.
GB News commentator G. Toler warned:
“These MPs are in a tough spot. They know this policy is unpopular, but if they speak out, they risk losing the support of their party leadership. It’s like being thrown under a tractor.”
The policy was created before Labour won a large number of rural seats. At the time, the party didn’t think it needed to worry about rural voters. Now that Labour holds around 100 rural seats, the tax has become a big problem.
Many rural Labour MPs say they were not consulted about the policy and are frustrated that it was pushed through without proper consideration.
Metcalf-Fisher added:
“Labour MPs need to stand up and publicly oppose this policy. Quietly complaining in WhatsApp groups isn’t enough—it won’t save their seats.”
Some experts believe Labour could fix the issue by adjusting the tax so it doesn’t harm small farms. For example, they could increase the threshold at which inheritance tax applies. This would target wealthy investors while protecting family farms.
Nigel Nelson, a political commentator, explained:
“Labour could make this work by raising the tax threshold. That way, they still collect revenue from big investors but avoid hurting small farmers. The question is, will Labour listen?”
The Family Farm Tax is just one of several Labour policies upsetting voters. Other recent decisions include:
- Winter fuel allowance cuts for pensioners.
- No compensation for Waspi women, who lost out on state pensions due to rule changes.
These moves, combined with the farm tax, make some people feel Labour is out of touch with ordinary British people.
Metcalf-Fisher said:
“This isn’t just about farmers. It’s about how Labour is seen by rural voters. Right now, they look like a party that doesn’t care about the countryside.”
Labour is in a tricky position. If it changes the tax policy, it could calm the anger in rural areas but risk looking weak. If it sticks to the plan, it risks losing many rural seats in the next election.
With council elections coming up in May, Labour has little time to act. Rural voters are watching closely, and many are already turning to Reform UK, a party that’s gaining support in the countryside.
One farmer summed up the mood:
“Labour needs to stop ignoring us. If they don’t listen soon, they’ll lose every rural seat they just won—and maybe more.”
