Reform terminates role of ex-Boris Johnson ally days after green policy recruitment amid farmer complaints
Reform UK has dropped plans for Ben Goldsmith, the environmentalist and former adviser to Boris Johnson, to develop its environmental strategy ahead of the general election, as noted by GB News.
Deputy leader Richard Tice dismissed any collaboration, stating: “Farmers can trust Reform.” The party will instead consult “experienced farmers, land managers, and industry experts” on its countryside policies.
The decision follows objections from farmers to Mr Goldsmith’s advocacy for rewilding, a practice which critics argue removes agricultural land from production. The National Gamekeepers Organisation reportedly raised concerns about his involvement in shaping the party’s rural agenda.
Mr Goldsmith, a financier, wildlife campaigner, and brother of Tory peer Lord Goldsmith, had been enlisted by Nigel Farage and policy adviser James Orr to work on issues including fishing rights and green belt protection. He co-founded the Conservative Environment Network and served as an adviser to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs between 2018 and 2022.
He submitted a detailed document urging Mr Farage to make “the patriotic case for nature”, framing conservation as central to British heritage. His recommendations included removing foreign fishing vessels from UK waters, championing native species reintroduction, and increasing penalties for fly-tipping. Mr Goldsmith has rewilded his own Somerset farm.
While supporters say rewilding benefits wildlife, opponents contend it undermines food production. Welsh sheep farmer Gareth Wyn Jones welcomed Reform’s move, stating: “It was time Goldsmith was taken out of the equation. He doesn’t represent the average family farmer.” He 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 will be crucial at the next election. He warned that parties must recognise rural Britain is “a full-time place of work, not a laboratory”, and that ignoring farmers would fail to improve biodiversity or resolve food production challenges.
Reform had initially hoped Mr Goldsmith’s environmental credentials would 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 the party.
