'Labour is driving our rural voters into the arms of Reform'

A life-long love affair with the countryside has left Baroness Ann Mallalieu deeply concerned about the effect of Labour's tax policies on our nation's farmers. And the trailblazing barrister fears the consequences for their communities, the industry and the Government itself could be devastating

- By David Williamson

LABOUR has ruined its chances of a second term in power and sent voters into the arms of Reform UK by launching a tax raid on farming families. This is the tough message from a trailblazing barrister and Labour peer who is dismayed at the distress her party has caused in the "unloved" countryside.

Baroness Ann Mallalieu — who has lived in the national spotlight since she became the first female president of the Cambridge Union in 1967 has no intention of hiding harsh truths from Sir Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves.

Noting the Chancellor was recently seen in tears in the Commons chamber, she says: "I would have to say, she has caused a great many people to be in tears. A great many."

Now 79, the Baroness says she knows of two people who are so worried about forthcoming changes in inheritance tax for farms they are "genuinely threatening suicide" before the new rules take effect.

And she says she is "absolutely certain" the decision to levy a 20% tax on inherited agricultural assets above £1million is stopping people from investing in their farms.

"If the Chancellor wanted productivity she couldn't have thought of a worst way to produce it," she says. As a defence barrister, the Baroness was among the country's high-profile QCs.

And in her defence of rural communities she has served for more than a quarter of a century as president of the Countryside Alliance.