Labour MP Callum Anderson has heavily criticised proposals from Reform UK to restrict postal voting, pointing out that under the party’s plans, voters would effectively be expected to cancel long-planned holidays to cast their ballots.
The controversy arose following comments from Reform UK MP Danny Kruger on Times Radio, where he argued that anyone wishing to vote in elections should “need to do it in person” unless they are “literally unable to get there”—such as serving military personnel, the elderly, or disabled citizens. Asked whether this policy effectively disenfranchises voters who happen to be away on holiday during an election, Kruger responded: “If people are not around for the day in which the election is happening, they’re disenfranchising themselves.”
Another mad policy
Buckingham and Bletchley MP Callum Anderson highlighted the absurdity of expecting citizens to abandon annual breaks to exercise their democratic rights:
“Imagine having the nerve to say to voters: hey guys, afraid we want you to cancel your once-in-a-lifetime trip to Australia that you booked a year ago, because we expect you to be in the country to vote.
“Another absolutely mad policy from Reform.”
Labour highlights double standards
Labour spokespeople quickly highlighted the contradiction in Reform UK’s stance, noting that Reform leader Nigel Farage himself used a postal vote during the 2024 general election.
“As ever, it’s one rule for him and another for everyone else,” a Labour spokesperson said, accusing Reform UK of attempting to distract from wider scrutiny while pushing measures that restrict access to the ballot box.
Labour reiterated its commitment to protecting democratic participation and widening access to voting through the government’s Representation of the People Bill, contrasting its approach with Reform’s attempts to curtail standard voting options for holidaymakers.
