Fresh twist in govt row with farmers as land owners plot to infiltrate Labour in daring bid to overturn hated tax grab
FURIOUS farmers are plotting to infiltrate Labour in an attempt to overturn the hated inheritance tax grab.
They plan to plant members in the party to influence policy.
The Trojan Horse-style idea has been dubbed “Moomentum” — after the 2015 bid by left-wing group Momentum to seize power under Jeremy Corbyn.
Farmers have been discussing their options in online forums after 20,000 — including telly star and Sun columnist Jeremy Clarkson — protested in Whitehall this week against the Budget blow.
One based in Colchester, Essex, urged fellow rural workers to pay the £5.71 monthly Labour membership fee.
He wrote: “Join the Labour Party. 100,000 could join the Labour Party.
“Momentum did this and nearly had Corbyn elected as PM — start a Moomentum — then it would be possible to change that party’s policies on family businesses.
“How would they stop this?”
Labour claims only a small number of farms will be hit by the 20 per cent levy on holdings valued above £1million.
Will Shemilt, 37, earns minimum wage and £15,000 profit from 330-acre Redhill Farms near Northampton but fears a £600,000 tax bill when his mum dies.
He told The Sun: “Many are now talking about how to go about influencing quietly and effectively.
“One idea is a Momentum-style infiltration of Labour.
“There’s power in numbers.
“We have a trade union and what’s the difference between us and teachers?
“A lot of people are realising this could be the democratic way to actually make a legitimate change before it’s too late.
“We just want to make a living.”
Labour was approached for comment.