Chancellor Rachel Reeves surprised onlookers when she delivered a sharp rebuke to a foul-mouthed heckler who shouted at her from his van during a broadcast interview at a Leeds petrol station. The incident occurred as Reeves announced the scrapping of a planned fuel duty rise, drawing support from unexpected quarters, including Conservative politicians.
The Heckling Incident
As Reeves answered questions from the media, a man identifying as a Reform UK supporter shouted, "Get Keir Starmer fucking out." While leaving in his van adorned with St George's flags, he continued yelling, "Get Labour out. Get Keir Starmer out. Nigel Farage, Come on, Nigel." He added, "Am I going to get arrested? We've got English flags on here, Rachel. Are we going to be arrested? You're ruining the country."
Reeves' Response
Reeves retorted, "I love our country, and one of the things about our country is good manners. Not very British." She then quipped that the heckler likely missed her announcement about freezing fuel duty. The exchange drew mixed reactions across the political spectrum.
Conservative Support
Shadow Chancellor Mel Stride defended Reeves, telling Sky's Sophy Ridge, "On the point of good manners, she is right... our discourse around politics should be civil and polite." However, he noted that some people were "disappointed by decisions this government has taken." Tory peer Daniel Hannan added, "Civility matters in politics and if we stop policing the boundaries, things slide very quickly."
Reform UK Reaction
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage posted on X, "I'd like to buy this man a pint. Does anyone know how I can find him?" Robert Jenrick, Reform's economics spokesperson, said, "He sounds British to me, Rachel! Good for him." Zia Yusuf, home affairs spokesperson, offered the heckler a future peerage, stating, "A future Reform government would like to give him a peerage for this outstanding public service."
