Secretary of State’s Footwear Creates More Discontent Among Welsh Farmers
It’s fair to say the farming community are less than happy about this week’s budget changes on inheritance tax for family farms – however, it isn’t the only thing that has left farmers feeling enraged this week – according to a new report in the Telegraph, it seems even the footwear of Steve Reed, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, has angered rural farmers in West Wales.
Why? Well, the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs doesn’t turn up to farms in your average wellies, instead, Reed reportedly opts for the leather-lined Le Chameau “Chasseur” boots, described as “handcrafted by a single master bootmaker” when meeting farmers and these boots, priced at an impressive £420, are now regarded as emblematic of the divide between rural Britain and the Government.
According to the Telegraph, it is high unlikely that Reed had to pay out of pocket for these boots – reports apparently suggest they were a gift from Labour donor Lord Alli, who is a director at Le Chameau.
However, at the time of donation, the boots did not have to be registered under the members interests rules as the price reportedly fell just below the £300 threshold. For farmers struggling to make ends meet, the high-end agricultural attire has not gone down well.
For farmers already incensed by Rachel Reeves’ Budget proposal to increase inheritance tax on farms, Reed’s boots have become a potent symbol of perceived government detachment from the realities of rural life.
“You’ll never see a farmer wearing £400 wellies, because we’re getting them covered in muck every day,” Aled Thomas, a farmer and Conservative councillor in Pembrokeshire, Wales, told The Telegraph.
Bethan Holt, fashion director at The Telegraph, comments that Reed’s choice is far from practical farming attire: “Le Chameaus are fabulous wellies but won’t score Reed any authenticity points with farmers. They’re more associated with the Princess of Wales and Cotswolds types. A £50 pair of Dunlops would have sufficed.”
Adding to the discontent is Reed’s background, which is less agricultural and more urban. Raised in St. Albans, educated in English literature, and experienced in educational publishing, Reed’s credentials with farmers have long been questioned. His policy focus on “transitioning farming to a nature-positive model” failed to mention impending inheritance tax changes, fuelling perceptions of disconnect.
Last Wednesday, Reeves announced reforms in her Budget that will increase inheritance tax on combined business and agricultural assets over £1 million by 20% starting in April 2026. The Country Land and Business Association’s (CLA) president, Victoria Vyvyan, expressed deep frustration, calling the policy “nothing short of a betrayal” and warning of the destabilizing effect on approximately 70,000 farms.
The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) has scheduled a protest for November 19, with farmers from across the country expected to march on Westminster. “Farmers are not going to let this drop,” says NFU deputy president David Exwood. “If the Government is smart, they’ll react quickly or risk further unrest.”
If Reed doesn’t change course, his £420 “Chasseurs” may face the wrath of thousands of angry farmers rallying at his doorstep, urging him to take a hike himself.
Source: The Telegraph
