Don't call rural voters Nimbys, Labour MPs tell Starmer
The Rural Research Group, which represents seats the party won for the first time at last year's election, branded the term 'toxic' and said may alienate voters in the countryside.
Sir Keir and risked a further drop in the 'goodwill' shown by rural voters that handed Labour a historic election win last year.
Labour has already been accused of betraying those voters by limiting inheritance tax relief for family farms in last year's Budget.
The Prime Minister has regularly used the phrase, which means 'not in my back yard', to describe those he believes are blocking new housing and infrastructure which Labour sees as crucial to boosting economic growth.
He said previously: 'For too long, blockers have had the upper hand in legal challenges - using our court processes to frustrate growth.
'We're putting an end to this challenge culture by taking on the Nimbys and a broken system that has slowed down our progress as a nation.'
Jenny Riddell-Carpenter, the Labour MP who chairs the Labour Rural Research Group, said many people 'despise' the term.
Ms Riddell-Carpenter told The Mirror: 'The term Nimby isn't just toxic, it's politically pointless. We win nothing by labelling people 'anti development' or 'anti growth'.'
The Rural Research Group - set up to champion rural issues - published their first report on Wednesday on the attitudes of their countryside constituents.
Their survey of 1,412 people found 56 per cent 'firmly do not see themselves as Nimbys'.
More than 60 per cent also agreed developments in their areas should go ahead 'as long as it is delivered thoughtfully, and with consideration for local needs and identity'.
The group's intervention will be seen as evidence of growing concern amongst rural MPs about Labour's poll ratings.
Research group caucuses are becoming more popular in parliament, reflecting how Conservative factions sought to wield power under previous administrations.
The Prime Minister has been told to show more recognition for rural identity, which Rural Research Group said had 'for too long been misunderstood and overlooked by policymakers'.
A Rural Research Group poll showed that 65 per cent of voters have little trust in politicians.
The MPs said: 'This should serve as a clear warning sign to all parties: disillusionment in rural Britain runs deep, and restoring trust will require more than promises - it must be backed by visible, long-term local action rooted in authenticity.'
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