Tories lead – but only on the farm

The Conservatives have about 75% in a straw poll running on FWi which leaves Labour trailing in third place on only 9%.

The picture is repeated among FARMERS WEEKLY Farmer Focus writers, who have declared their voting intentions after three weeks of listening to the different parties.

Ten out of 14 of the farmers said they would be voting Conservative, two said they would vote Liberal Democrat and only one plans to vote Labour.

Bedfordshire farmer Stephen Bumstead said: “Farming and small business have suffered enough under this dreadful Government.”

He added: “My vote will go to our Conservative candidate Alistair Burt. He has pledged to represent both the industrys views, and mine.”

Exmoor farmer Peter Delbridge said: “Labours contempt for farmers and rural dwellers over the past four years has been well documented.

“As the only realistic alternative, Tory it is.”

But it looks like Labour will be in government for another five years.

An ICM poll in The Guardian on Wednesday (30 May) put Labour on 47%, the Tories on 28% and the Liberal Democrats on 17%.

Other parties have revealed their election pledges for agriculture.

The Green Party believes Britains farming future is bleak if any of the three main parties win. It has pledged to reform subsidies to support smaller farms.

The Greens want to promote local food production for local need and will encourage cooperative selling by farmers direct to the public.

The UK Independence Party, which claims to be the UKs fourth largest party, is contesting 430 seats. It hopes to win at least two.

• FWi General Election update – including party policy statements
• Focus on the vote – Farmer Focus writers give their verdict