Reform UK has distanced itself from former Boris Johnson ally and Conservative environmentalist Ben Goldsmith after farmers objected to his rewilding advocacy.
Nigel Farage is understood to have abandoned plans for him to develop the party’s environmental strategy ahead of the next general election, weeks after the two discussed policy proposals.
Deputy leader Richard Tice dismissed any prospect of collaboration with Mr Goldsmith, declaring: “Farmers can trust Reform.”
The party has pledged to instead consult “experienced farmers, land managers, and industry experts” when shaping its countryside policies.
Mr Goldsmith, a financier and wildlife campaigner, co-founded the Conservative Environment Network in 2010.
The brother of Tory peer Lord Goldsmith, he served as an adviser to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs from 2018 to 2022.
Mr Farage and Reform UK policy adviser James Orr had enlisted him to work on issues such as fishing rights and green belt protection.
He submitted a detailed document to the Reform leader, in which he urged Mr Farage to make “the patriotic case for nature”, framing conservation as central to British heritage and national identity.
Reform UK have dropped Ben Goldsmith, who was initially brought in to advise the party’s environmental strategy
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The recommendations included removing foreign fishing vessels from UK waters, championing native species reintroduction, and increasing penalties for fly-tipping.
However, the National Gamekeepers Organisation reportedly raised concerns about Goldsmith’s involvement in shaping Reform’s rural agenda.
Critics argue that rewilding removes agricultural land from production by allowing it to return to a wild state.
Mr Goldsmith has rewilded his own Somerset farm and built a reputation as a prominent advocate for the practice.
Nigel Farage is understood to have made the call over complaints from farmers
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While supporters say rewilding benefits wildlife, opponents contend it undermines food production.
Reform had initially hoped Mr Goldsmith’s environmental credentials would help attract green-minded Conservative voters.
Internal research showed 80 per cent of Reform supporters care deeply about nature, while polling indicated environmentally conscious Tories remained reluctant to back Mr Farage’s party.
Welsh sheep farmer Gareth Wyn Jones welcomed the decision, stating: “It was time Goldsmith was taken out of the equation. He doesn’t represent the average family farmer.”
Farmers raised concerns over Mr Goldsmith’s rewilding plans
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GETTYMr Jones added: “Goldsmith was definitely not the guy to be giving Reform any advice.”
Tim Bonner, chief executive of the Countryside Alliance, emphasised that rural areas would prove crucial at the next election.
He warned that parties seeking to restore trust with countryside communities must recognise that rural Britain is “a full-time place of work, not a laboratory”.
Speaking to The Telegraph, Mr Bonner cautioned ignoring farmers would fail to improve biodiversity or resolve food production challenges.