Reform UK MP buys £800,000 second home days after questioning their impact on rural communities

Sarah Pochin, the MP for Runcorn and Helsby in Cheshire, completed the purchase of a Grade-II listed property on the southern coast of Anglesey jointly with her husband, Jonathan, on 17 June. The move came two days after she submitted a written question to Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook on 15 June, asking "what assessment he has made of the potential impact of second home ownership on housing availability in coastal and rural communities".

In his reply, Pennycook stated that "excessive concentrations of short-term lets and second homes impact on the availability and affordability of homes for local residents to buy and rent, as well as local services".

The couple, who retain ownership of another home in Cheshire, have submitted plans to Anglesey County Council for changes to the property.

Anglesey has become a hotspot for second home ownership, recording the largest increase in holiday home users among local authorities from 2011 to 2021, according to the Office for National Statistics. As of March 2026, the council recorded 2,635 furnished homes on the island that were not an individual's sole or main residence. The local authority introduced a council tax premium on second homes in 2016, initially set at 25% above the standard rate and later increased incrementally.

Analysis

Why This Matters

Raises questions about consistency between an MP's parliamentary actions and personal decisions, potentially affecting public trust.
Highlights the ongoing tension between second home ownership and housing affordability in rural and coastal communities across the UK.
May prompt further scrutiny of MPs' property investments and their alignment with stated policy positions.

Background

Second homes have become a contentious issue in many coastal and rural areas of Britain, particularly in Wales, where local authorities have been granted powers to levy higher council tax premiums on properties that are not primary residences. Critics argue that an influx of second homes drives up property prices and reduces housing availability for local residents. Reform UK has positioned itself as a party challenging established politics, but this incident may test its credibility on housing issues.

Key Perspectives

Reform UK: The party has not yet commented publicly on the purchase. The incident could be seen as a contradiction of its pledge to prioritise local communities. Local Anglesey residents: Likely to view the purchase as emblematic of the very problem Pochin ostensibly questioned, potentially deepening frustration with outside buyers. Critics of second home ownership: Will point to this as evidence that politicians across parties are out of touch with the housing challenges facing rural communities, regardless of their public statements.

What to Watch

Any response or disciplinary action from Reform UK leadership.
Whether Anglesey County Council approves or rejects the couple's planning applications.
Future parliamentary votes or debates on second home taxation and regulation, and Pochin's voting record.

Analysis

Why This Matters

Background

Key Perspectives

What to Watch

Sources