Boris Johnson loses rural support as rural voters desert Tories in droves

The Survation poll in Cornwall, Cumbria, North Yorkshire, Norfolk and Gwynedd, Wales found that 36% of rural voters now intend to vote for Labor in next month’s local elections, two points behind the Tory share of the vote

The Tories are losing the support of rural people, who were once their staunchest supporters.

A poll for the Country Land and Business Association shows voters in rural areas are leaving Boris Johnson in droves.

The Survation poll in Cornwall, Cumbria, North Yorkshire, Norfolk and Gwynedd, Wales found that 36% of rural voters now intend to vote for Labor in next month’s local elections, two points behind the Tory share of the vote.

That’s a 7.5% swing to Keir Starmer’s party. In the 2019 general election, 46% supported the Tories and just 29% Labour.

Union President Mark Tufnell blames the planning regime for many of the Tory’s problems.

He said: “Reasonable small settlements are often rejected outright and applications to convert disused farm buildings into office or workshop space can take years.

“As a result, fewer jobs are created and housing becomes less affordable, so young people just move away.”

Eight out of ten respondents agreed that the lack of affordable housing is driving young people out of the country.

York Outer Tory MP Julian Sturdy said rural issues had been neglected in Housing Secretary Michael Gove’s plans.

He added: “People rightly want a good job and an affordable home. This needs to be addressed urgently.”