TV presenter Jimmy Doherty has issued a stern warning to the likely next Prime Minister Andy Burnham following Sir Keir Starmer's resignation, calling for urgent action to address the turmoil facing UK farmers.
Doherty's Warning to Burnham
The Channel 4 star, who rose to fame with his series Jimmy's Farm, exclusively told Express.co.uk: 'I mean, we're in a lot of turmoil with everything going on. I think what we do need is a government that really appreciates the tourism industry in this country, and also in terms of nature as well. So let's have our fingers crossed and hope for the best.'
Doherty's farm and wildlife park in Suffolk was named VisitEngland's Large Visitor Attraction of the Year, highlighting the importance of agricultural tourism to the UK economy.
Farming Community's Discontent
Doherty is not alone in his criticism. Jeremy Clarkson, who became a farm owner in 2019, has also spoken out against Labour's farming policies. In an interview with Times Radio, Clarkson said: 'I don't think there's a farmer alive who's Labour anymore. This government is truly useless; we know that, and it is doing nothing for farming. In fact, it's actually damaging farming.'
Clarkson previously protested against Rachel Reeves' inheritance tax changes, which farmers argue threaten the viability of family farms.
Doherty's Farm Success and TV Favourites
Despite the challenges, Doherty's farm has thrived. He expressed his surprise at winning the VisitEngland award: 'I was completely bowled over. We've been going for 25 years now, and all we've really done is strive to get better every year and to create a place we would want to visit ourselves. It's a real accolade for everyone who has helped make this happen.'
Doherty also shared his favourite farming shows, including Clarkson's Farm and Countryfile, which he enjoys watching in his downtime.
From Rare Breeds to Wildlife Park
What began as a rare-breeds farm with free-range livestock has evolved into a comprehensive zoo housing more than 100 species. The transformation started when rescue charities asked to house unwanted exotic animals like ring-tailed lemurs and raccoons. Now, visitors can see rescued polar bears, brown bears, lions, tigers, snakes, crocodiles, and traditional farm animals.
The farm employs 180 staff and has become a community hub. Doherty emphasised the team effort behind the award: 'We've all fallen in the same direction, and we've always tried to create something as part of the community.'
As the Labour leadership race heats up, Doherty's warning adds pressure on Andy Burnham to address the farming sector's concerns, with many farmers feeling abandoned by the current government.
