With just one week until the General Election, a Farmers Guardian poll gives a snapshot of farmers' voting intentions.
As of Thursday (June 27) (1018 votes), Conservatives were the front runners with 33% (up from 29% the previous week); Labour tied in second with 22% (down from 28%); Reform equal with 22% (up from 19%); Liberal Democrats in fourth with 12% (down from 13%); Greens with 5% (up from 4%); Plaid Cymru with 2% and the Scottish National Party with 1%.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has confirmed there will be a General Election on July 4.
Since Prime Minister Rishi Sunak confirmed there will be a General Election on July 4, politicians have been manically canvassing farmers for the much-needed rural vote.
READ NOW: Prime Minister Rishi Sunak makes badger cull pledge while on General Election trail at Devon farm
In a sit-down interview with Farmers Guardian on a sheep farm in Devon this week, the Prime Minister outlined his party's plan to ‘back British farmers', amid a surge in support in the polls for the Reform UK party, and warnings his party could face the worst General Election result ever. When asked by Farmers Guardian if he was concerned by the momentum building by Reform UK in rural areas, he said ‘a vote for anyone that is a not a Conservative candidate, is just a vote to make it more likely that Keir Starmer is in No 10'.
As politicians across the UK make decisions as to whether they will or will not stand in the General Election, Sir Mark Spencer has confirmed his intention to campaign for re-election as an MP.
The Conservative MP for Sherwood and Farming Minister announced his decision to stand for re-election in the Nottinghamshire based seat following Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's confirmation that UK voters would head to the polls on July 4.
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Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey MP said 'every vote for Liberal Democrats is a vote for a local champion, an MP who will fight for you your family and your community to get a fair deal that you so deserve.'
When it comes to securing the farming vote, the Liberal Democrats believe farmers are 'key allies in the fight against climate change, preventing flooding and recovering our natural environment', adding farmers do all of this 'while producing high quality food for our tables.'
Rishi Sunak named the 'countryside candidate' at the next General Election by veterinary MP
Veterinary MP Dr Neil Hudson has named Prime Minister Rishi Sunak as the 'countryside candidate' to lead the Conservatives at the next General Election.
After announcing a number of funding initiatives at the Farm to Fork Summit earlier this month, alongside representing the rural constituency of Richmond in North Yorkshire, the Veterinary MP said the Prime Minister was the ideal candidate to represent those living and working in the countryside.
NFU president says 'the stakes are very high' for farmers in this General Election
Mr Bradshaw said the union will be engaging with candidates from all political parties over the coming weeks to promote its election manifesto and ensure 'every prospective MP understands the importance of boosting home-grown food production as well as the work farmers and growers carry out 365 days a year caring for the environment, providing a home for nature and providing solutions to the challenges of climate change.'
"What farmers, growers and the public need to see is practical policies which invest in a future where Britain's farmers and growers can continue producing sustainable, affordable food, driving forward economic growth, providing jobs, and delivering on the nation's environmental ambitions," he added.
Labour Party says 'time for change' as Prime Minister announces General Election
Sir Keir Starmer has described the announcement of a General Election in July as an opportunity for 'change the country needs and has been waiting for'.
"And I believe with patience, determination and that commitment to service, there is so much pride and potential we can unlock across our country.
Scottish political party leaders react to General Election announcement
Political parties in Scotland have welcomed the announcement of a General Election in six weeks time.
New Scottish First Minister John Swinney, who has been in the role since May 8, said the General Election provided the platform for the SNP to put forward its case for independence.
Farming and the countryside will be a 'key electoral battleground' at the next General Election
Countryside Alliance chief executive Tim Bonner has called on candidates standing at the next General Election to see the value of the rural vote ahead of a contest which could see the countryside be a key electoral battleground.
He said: "The countryside will be a key electoral battleground."
Trade association keen to see how political parties will support meat trade policy at the next General Election.
Strategy director at IMTA, Katrina Walsh, said members of the group will be keenly waiting to see how political parties will support the meat trade industry
"We hope that trade associations and members will still be able to receive answers on operational questions during the pre-election period of sensitivity, as ongoing engagement with officials is crucial on certain trade topics."
Sheep farmers need 'stability and a clear future direction' at the next General Election.
National Sheep Association chief executive Phil Stocker has welcomed the announcement of a General Election after months of speculation.
"Sheep farmers, like others, need some stability and a clear future direction, accepting that we are working in a world where change is inevitable and, in many cases, desirable."
Candidates need to take forward thinking approach to embrace farmers and rural communities ahead of General Election.
Victoria Vyvyan, CLA president, speaking ahead of the General Election, has urged all political parties to empower the rural economy by embracing the communities which work and live in the countryside.
"Governments of all colours have treated rural areas as a museum, failing to generate the conditions necessary for growth."
'Rishi Sunak has finally come to the same conclusion as the rest of the country' - Welsh Party Leaders react to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's announcement.
Welsh political leaders reacted to confirmation of a General Election on July 4.
Wales' First Minister Vaughan Gething said: "Rishi Sunak has finally come to the same conclusion as the rest of the country: a General Election is needed now.
General Election could be 'make or break for the countryside'.
A countryside charity has called on political parties and candidates standing at the next General Election to recognise the value of the countryside and the role played by rural communities in tackling some of the biggest challenges the world faces.
Head of policy, campaigns and communications at the Campaign to Protect Rural England, Elli Moody, said it was decisive for political parties to outline their priorities to support the countryside in the future.
Deputy Scottish First Minister Kate Forbes says farmers and crofters face an 'uncertain future' ahead of next General Election.
Scottish Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes has made an impassioned plea to farmers and rural communities ahead of the next General Election.
Despite 17 years of a SNP Government, the MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch said the 'merry-go-round' of Prime Ministers and Brexit had placed a number of challenges on people living and working in rural Scotland.
Government needs to halt Universal Credit transition for farmers until end of General Election.
Wendy Chamberlain MP for North East Fife has written to Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride urging him to reverse or at least halt the movement away from Tax Credits to the Universal Credit scheme over the next six weeks.
She said postponing the scheme could provide farmers with clarity during peak months of the farming calendar.
This General Election is also about 'who represents your street, your community and your country's interests', says Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth.
He said a vote for Plaid Cymru is 'essential to deny the Conservatives a Westminster foothold in Wales and to keep Labour in check.'
Speaking ahead of an election rally in Bangor, Mr ap Iorwerth said Plaid Cymru is taking the fight to the Conservatives and Labour in all parts of Wales, adding the party was in 'pole position' to dislodge the sitting Conservative MP in Ynys Môn and best placed to represent the people of Carmarthen.
Former Defra Secretary Michael Gove says he will step down as MP at next General Election.
Mr Gove served as Defra Secretary from June 2017 to July 2019 under former Prime Minister Theresa May.
He added: "I put in place progressive farming and fishing policies to ensure a 'Green Brexit', secured historic legislation to raise animal welfare standards and introduced our landmark 25 year Environment plan to crack down on harmful single-use plastics and protect our ocean."
Sir Keir Starmer's General Election trail: "The togetherness of the countryside - that is the best of British".
Labour Party Leader Sir Keir Starmer has promoted his passion for the countryside and his rural roots ahead of the next General Election.
With political parties making their pitches to the general public, Sir Keir delivered a speech to voters in Sussex on Monday (May 27) where he mentioned his connection to rural life, working on farms and the countryside representing the 'best of British'.
Uncertainty over future farming support is 'damaging confidence' ahead of General Election.
David McKay, co-director at Soil Association Scotland, said he was concerned political parities had yet to launch their manifestos, with 'little mention' of how they plan to support the agricultural sector.
Calling on parties to address their manifestos on the level of support it would provide to the agricultural sector, Mr McKay said: "From a Scottish context, addressing the gap in funding for agriculture remains the top priority."
Ex-Defra Secretary George Eustice will step down as MP after General Election.
Having served in the position under ex-Prime Minister Boris Johnson between February 2020 to September 2022, Mr Eustice said he wanted the chance to do 'something different in life' following his 14 years as an MP.
Prior to his appointment as Defra Secretary, replacing Theresa Villiers, the Conservative politician had served as Farming Minister, which is currently held by Sir Mark Spencer.
Farmers Guardian General Election poll puts Conservatives ahead in rural vote.
With an upcoming General Election on the horizon, farmers have offered a glimpse into how they could vote ahead of polling day on July 4.
Between a choice of the Conservatives, Liberal Democrats, Labour, Green Party, Scottish National Party, Plaid Cymru, Reform or none of the above, who are farmers telling us they will vote for so far?
Nigel Farage says he will 'make Britain great again' after confirming his intention to stand as a candidate at the next General Election.
However, the Reform leader has failed to gain election as an MP on seven previous occasions.
Making the announcement on Monday (June 3) with the promise to 'make Britain great again', Mr Farage said: "This election needs some gingering up.
Candidates must listen to the views of farmers and rural communities ahead of the General Election.
The Scottish Countryside Alliance has called on candidates seeking to become MPs and MSPs to listen to the views of farmers and rural communities ahead of the General Election.
With Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's announcement of a General Election taking place on July 4, the rural campaigning group has issued a plea to all candidates to give rural voters and rural matters a voice in Westminster.
Arrests made after Nigel Farage has milkshake thrown over him at General Election campaign launch.
Nigel Farage has had a McDonald's milkshake thrown at him during a General Election campaign rally in Essex.
After leaving a Wetherspoon's pub in the Essex seaside town, a woman had reportedly thrown a McDonald's banana milkshake over Mr Farage.
Enhancing food security, improving trade with the EU and standardising sustainability metrics are 'key' priorities ahead of a General Election for farmers.
The Agricultural Industries Confederation, representing businesses which supply UK farmers and growers with advice and services in producing food, has set out its core asks to the Government after Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called a snap election which will take place on July 4.
Chief executive of AIC, Robert Sheasby, said the next UK Government must enhance food security, improve trade with the European Union, and standardise sustainability metrics.
Snap polls signal no clear winner in General Election debate between Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer Labour leader Keir Starmer and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak went head to head in their first live TV debate of this General Election campaign, with farmers recognising a noticeable absence of agricultural policy.
Results from a snap YouGov poll after the debate showed a close tie, with 1,657 viewers sharing how they felt each party leader performed. Overall Rishi Suank was seen as delivering the best performance by 51 per cent to Keir Starmers 49 per cent.
On issues discussed on the night, the Labour leader won on his responses to NHS, cost of living, education and climate change, with the two leaders closely tied on immigration, with the Prime Minister winning more convincingly on his comments regarding tax.
There was also a close split on response to who was more prime ministerial, with 43% in favour of Rishi Sunak and 40% for Keir Starmer.
A poll by Savanta published on Wednesday morning found 44 per cent of votes rated Keir Starmer as the winner, compared to 39% for Rishi Sunak.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak visits Cheshire farm on General Election campaign trail.
Mr Sunak joined Macclesfield's Conservative parliamentary candidate David Rutley at Rowlinson's Farm in Gawsworth to meet Cheshire farmers and bottle feed lambs
The Prime Minister spoke with farmers, including a contingent of Cheshire Young Farmers' Club members, as well as taking the opportunity to bottle-feed orphaned lambs on farm.
Leaders urged to take part in General Election debate on nature and climate.
Would Prime Minister Rishi Sunak or Sir Keir Starmer commit to a debate on the environment and climate change?
Political party leaders and broadcasters have been urged to commit to a General Election debate on one of the most 'defining issues' affecting farmers, people and the planet.
