Farmers hold tractor protest over inheritance tax

County Durham farmer Clare Wise organised a tractor protest through Darlington

Farmers have held a tractor protest against new inheritance tax plans.

About 150 farmers drove their tractors through Darlington, following claims new rules would leave them with big bills forcing them to either sell whole farms or part of their land to pay the tax.

Protest organisers Clare Wise, a mixed farmer from County Durham, said farmers were "really struggling" and that Chancellor Rachel Reeves had to listen to concerns.

The government has previously said the majority of farms would be unaffected by the changes.

In October, the chancellor announced during her Budget speech that inheritance tax would apply to agricultural assets worth more than £1m from April 2026.

During a number of protests across the country, a convoy of tractors travelled from Darlington auction mart to the town centre.

"This is just a small local town, that tells you how many are really affected," Ms Wise said.

A convoy of tractors drove from the auction mart to Darlington town centre

The number of farms that would be impacted by the tax changes has been disputed.

The government has said the change was only expected to affect about 2,000 estates each year and its commitment to farmers "remains steadfast".

The NFU has said that 70,000 farmers would be affected over the next decade.

Ms Wise insisted there would be no delays on the roads during the protest.

"We just want to show we're right here on your doorsteps and we're really struggling," Ms Wise said.

"She (the chancellor) has to listen."