Adam Hart
Guest Reporter
Tens of Labour MPs betrayed their farming constituents this afternoon after the Conservatives forced a vote on the hated ‘family farm tax’.
Kemi Badenoch’s party used their Opposition Day to put forward a motion cancelling controversial changes to farmers’ inheritance tax announced in Labour’s recent Budget.
But the Conservative motion was voted down easily with 339 noes to 181 ayes.
As most backbench Labour MPs will have had no idea about Reeves’ inheritance tax hike on farmers before the budget, this vote has forced them to support or oppose it publicly, exposing whether their loyalty lies with the party or their constituents.
GB News has analysed the list of MPs who voted against the motion (in favour of the 'family farm tax') and can reveal the six members who have betrayed huge numbers of farming constituents.
Derbyshire Dales / John Whitby (Majority – 350)
With 1,275 registered farms in the constituency, the Derbyshire Dales has one of the highest numbers of farms in the UK.
And yet its MP John Whitby today voted to impose death duties on farmers, despite widespread concerns the tax will threaten the very existence of many family farms.
South West Norfolk / Terry Jermy (Majority – 630)
The Labour MP for South West Norfolk had already begun breaking ranks on social media, calling for reassurance “on the scale of the impact and confirmation that the figures are accurate.”
But today Jermy voted against the wishes of many of his rural constituents.
North West Cambridgeshire / Sam Carling (Majority – 39)
The 22-year-old ‘baby of the house’ also voted in favour of the farm tax, a brave move for a man representing a rural constituency with a majority of 39.
Llanelli / Nia Griffith (Majority – 1,504)
In Wales, Labour’s Nia Griffith also showed her support for Reeves' tax hike, despite the fact it will hit many farmers in her agricultural patch.
No doubt Reform UK, who are breathing down Griffith's neck and came second in July, will look to capitalise.
Stirling and Strathallan / Chris Kane (Majority – 1,394)
Newly elected Labour MP Chris Kane also betrayed many hundreds of his farming constituents in his agricultural patch of Stirling and Strathallan this afternoon.
Forest of Dean / Matt Bishop (Majority – 278 votes)
With 751 farms registered in this constituency alone, Labour MP Matt Bishop was in an awkward position when it came to voting today.
By backing Reeves’ hike, Bishop will anger many of his rural voters, a bold move when you have a majority of 275.
He told the Independent he wanted to “reassure my constituents that my focus on farming and rural issues remains unwavering”. But his vote today appears to say otherwise.
LATEST FROM MEMBERSHIP:
Though no Labour MPs followed through on threats to vote down the family farm tax, notable names who did included Labour defector Rosie Duffield, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, Shadow Environment Secretary Victoria Atkins and ex-Environment Secretary Steve Barclay.
A whopping seventy Labour MPs abstained from the vote including many rural seat holders who missed their opportunity to stand up for farmers in their patch.
They included Henry Tufnell (Mid and South Pembrokeshire) and Steve Witherden (Montgomeryshire and Glyndŵr).
Find Out More...
Kemi Badenoch’s party used their Opposition Day to put forward a motion cancelling controversial changes to farmers’ inheritance tax announced in Labour’s recent Budget.
But the Conservative motion was voted down easily with 339 noes to 181 ayes.
As most backbench Labour MPs will have had no idea about Reeves’ inheritance tax hike on farmers before the budget, this vote has forced them to support or oppose it publicly, exposing whether their loyalty lies with the party or their constituents.
GB News has analysed the list of MPs who voted against the motion (in favour of the 'family farm tax') and can reveal the six members who have betrayed huge numbers of farming constituents.
Derbyshire Dales / John Whitby (Majority – 350)
With 1,275 registered farms in the constituency, the Derbyshire Dales has one of the highest numbers of farms in the UK.
And yet its MP John Whitby today voted to impose death duties on farmers, despite widespread concerns the tax will threaten the very existence of many family farms.
South West Norfolk / Terry Jermy (Majority – 630)
The Labour MP for South West Norfolk had already begun breaking ranks on social media, calling for reassurance “on the scale of the impact and confirmation that the figures are accurate.”
But today Jermy voted against the wishes of many of his rural constituents.
North West Cambridgeshire / Sam Carling (Majority – 39)
The 22-year-old ‘baby of the house’ also voted in favour of the farm tax, a brave move for a man representing a rural constituency with a majority of 39.
Llanelli / Nia Griffith (Majority – 1,504)
In Wales, Labour’s Nia Griffith also showed her support for Reeves' tax hike, despite the fact it will hit many farmers in her agricultural patch.
No doubt Reform UK, who are breathing down Griffith's neck and came second in July, will look to capitalise.
Stirling and Strathallan / Chris Kane (Majority – 1,394)
Newly elected Labour MP Chris Kane also betrayed many hundreds of his farming constituents in his agricultural patch of Stirling and Strathallan this afternoon.
Forest of Dean / Matt Bishop (Majority – 278 votes)
With 751 farms registered in this constituency alone, Labour MP Matt Bishop was in an awkward position when it came to voting today.
By backing Reeves’ hike, Bishop will anger many of his rural voters, a bold move when you have a majority of 275.
He told the Independent he wanted to “reassure my constituents that my focus on farming and rural issues remains unwavering”. But his vote today appears to say otherwise.
LATEST FROM MEMBERSHIP:
- Tory defector begs Reform UK to avoid critical MISTAKE as he reveals 'final straw' behind exit
- Inside Cardiff council meeting where Labour Mayor CUTS OFF Tory councillor questioning Gaza motion
- GBN Members can celebrate this Christmas with 20% off Cheers Britannia's English wines
Though no Labour MPs followed through on threats to vote down the family farm tax, notable names who did included Labour defector Rosie Duffield, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, Shadow Environment Secretary Victoria Atkins and ex-Environment Secretary Steve Barclay.
A whopping seventy Labour MPs abstained from the vote including many rural seat holders who missed their opportunity to stand up for farmers in their patch.
They included Henry Tufnell (Mid and South Pembrokeshire) and Steve Witherden (Montgomeryshire and Glyndŵr).
Find Out More...