Chancellor Rachel Reeves was subjected to a tirade of abuse from a Reform UK supporter while filming a piece to camera at a petrol station in Leeds. The man, driving a truck adorned with two St George's flags, repeatedly shouted over her, calling her a 'piece of s***' and accusing her of ruining the country.
The incident occurred as Reeves attempted to discuss the government's decision to extend the 5p per litre fuel duty cut until the end of the year. The driver yelled, 'Nigel Farage, go on Nigel,' before adding, 'You're ruining the country. Get Keir Starmer out.' As he drove off, he taunted, 'I've got British flags on. Am I going to get arrested? We've got English flags on here, Rachel, am I going to get arrested?'
Reeves Responds with Composure
In response, Reeves maintained her composure, stating, 'I love our country. I love our country – and one of the things about our country is good manners.' After the driver shouted 'piece of s***', she retorted, 'Not very British.' Regaining her poise, she joked with reporters, 'I don't think he heard the news about the freeze in fuel duty.'
Farage Offers Support to Heckler
The clip quickly went viral, prompting Nigel Farage to comment, 'I'd like to buy this man a pint. Does anyone know how I can find him?' The Reform UK leader's offer drew widespread attention, highlighting the political tensions surrounding the incident.
The confrontation comes as Labour faces mounting pressure following heavy losses in recent local and devolved elections, raising fresh questions about Sir Keir Starmer's leadership. Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister confirmed the 5p per litre fuel duty cut, first introduced in March 2022, will be extended until the end of the year.
Fuel Duty Freeze Amid Rising Prices
The duty will remain at just under 53p per litre, with previously planned rises now scrapped. Fuel prices have surged in recent months, with petrol up around 26p per litre and diesel up 44p since late February amid disruption linked to tensions in the Middle East. Ms Reeves said the move would give families and businesses 'certainty'. 'This isn't a war we started or joined,' she said. 'But it is having an impact here in the UK… and I recognise the challenges people are facing.'
