The Honiton and Sidmouth Conservatives have launched a campaign focused on farming, energy, and the environment.
The campaign follows a parliamentary vote on January 7, 2026, where many MPs, including Liberal Democrat MP Richard Foord, abstained from supporting an opposition motion to scrap what Conservatives describe as Labour’s "Family Farms Tax."
Dylan Burtoft, division organiser for the Blackdown Hills, said: "Out across Dunkeswell and Otterhead we heard loud and clear just how angry and frustrated people are.
"Farmers know this vote mattered.
"When rural Devon needed a voice in Parliament, Richard Foord failed to act.
"Conservatives stood up for British agriculture, Labour voted against farmers, and the Liberal Democrats sat on their hands."
He said: "People are also deeply concerned about Labour’s plans to force industrial-scale solar farms onto productive agricultural grade land.
"That’s why we’re backing local action, including our petition opposing the proposed 147-acre solar farm in Talaton.
"We support renewable energy, but not at the expense of food production and rural livelihoods."
During the campaign launch in the Dunkeswell and Otterhead ward, Conservative members met with residents and farmers to discuss the Family Farms Tax, proposals for large-scale solar farms on agricultural land, Net Zero, and other issues.
They criticised Mr Foord for not taking a clear stance on major solar developments, including the proposed Talaton scheme.
The Honiton and Sidmouth Conservatives argue that the lack of support for the motion is a "betrayal" of farming communities, and say it puts generational farming, food security, and livelihoods at risk.
The Conservatives have also pledged to hold the Liberal Democrats to account on rural issues.
Responding to the claims, Mr Foord said that his views on the family farm tax are "well-documented" and that he has been a supporter of farmers since elected in 2022.
He said: "I voted against the family farm tax when it came before Parliament, including on 4 December 2024 and 3 March 2025.
"I voted against it again when MPs debated the Finance Bill on Tuesday, 16 December 2025.
"I was absent from Parliament on Tuesday, 2 December as I was on a Parliamentary visit."
This comes as in December 2025, following campaigns and protests by farmers, the government has confirmed the threshold for inheritance tax changes due to come into force next April will be raised to £2.5 million.
On the Talaton scheme, the MP said that solar is a role to play as part of the UK’s overall energy security.
Mr Foord said: "I am a supporter of renewable energy, given that the UK needs energy security and independence from fossil fuel peddlers like President Putin."
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