Tory leader Badenoch vows to protect rural life

The Conservative Party’s newly elected leader, Kemi Badenoch, has outlined her aims to “deliver for the people of this country, including the rural community”. 

The MP for North West Essex has set out her views on rural matters, saying the countryside, contrary to many views in Whitehall, “is not just a hotel, it is a place of home and work for millions”. The former Business Secretary added: “I am very proud to be an MP for a beautiful rural constituency in Essex and I am a supporter of the rural way of life — something I have fought to protect.”

Ms Badenoch has been selecting her shadow cabinet, which includes her Tory leadership rival Robert Jenrick as Shadow Justice Secretary, and rural Lincolnshire MP Victoria Atkins as Shadow Defra Secretary.

Mo Metcalf- Fisher, director of external affairs for the Countryside Alliance, told ST: “We would like to extend our congratulations to Kemi Badenoch on her victory. In her statement, Kemi wrote of her understanding and support for the rural way of life, as well as taking a robust line on supporting our hardworking farming communities. This is obviously reassuring for those who live and work in the countryside and we look forward to working with both Kemi and her new shadow Defra appointment, Victoria Atkins.”

Given Labour’s betrayal of farmers (see p6), the Opposition Leader’s support will be even more welcome.