Decline in Conservative Party Support Among Farmers
The Conservative Party is experiencing a significant loss of support from the very constituencies that have traditionally bolstered its identity and legitimacy. This shift could signal a pivotal moment in the history of the world’s oldest political party.
As reported by Farmers Weekly, the percentage of farmers who expressed support for the Conservative Party in a hypothetical general election has dropped notably, from 57% in 2024 to just 29% in 2020. While most farmers still haven’t shifted their allegiance to Nigel Farage’s Reform Party, it has emerged as the leading party among them, with support rising to 40%, compared to only 15% the previous year.
This change seems driven by farmers’ dissatisfaction with the Labor government and lingering frustrations from the previous Conservative administration. These governments have, in various ways, failed to protect British agriculture and have enacted policies seen as detrimental to farming communities. In recent months, Mr. Farage and his party have prominently advocated for rural issues.
Despite negative sentiments towards the government’s latest measures affecting rural farmers, there wasn’t much optimism for the Labor Party. Current support for them among farmers stands at a meager 1%, down from 4% two years prior, indicating that fewer than one in twenty farmers back the Social Democratic Party.
The Liberal Democrats have had a slightly better experience in this sphere, capturing a stable 9% support among farmers, thanks in part to backing from rural middle-class voters.
The loss of farmer support is a serious blow to the Conservatives’ self-perception and foundational purpose. Although farmers make up a relatively minor part of modern British society, historically, they have been an essential and emblematic group for the party. Losing their backing may suggest to the broader public that even the party’s most loyal supporters are disenchanted.
The deputy leader of UK Reform, Richard Tice, commented on the poll results, citing the Conservative’s failure to assist rural communities while in power and how the Labor government is perceived to be waging an attack on family farms. He indicated that this context likely explains the increasing support for Reform among farmers.
If they gain power, the Reform party plans to eliminate the Labor-imposed family farm tax, lessen bureaucratic restrictions, and overturn what they describe as “net stupid zero” policies.
Mr. Farage, referencing a recent event, noted that rural communities no longer have faith in the Conservative Party, highlighting a boxing day hunting rally where the support for reform was palpable.
In light of the disastrous polling results for the Labor government, only 12% of voters reportedly support the party. Meanwhile, a significant 68% of people disapprove of the government’s performance, placing Sir Keir Starmer’s left-wing administration at a similar level of unpopularity as the Conservative government it succeeded, just over a year into its term.
Mr. Farage has vowed to intensify efforts or step back in order to capitalize on upcoming local elections, aiming to build momentum for the next national election.
