Labour has no plan to stop the growing threat from Reform UK, despite opportunities provided by the ongoing turmoil within the party, insiders say. Pollsters, MPs and other senior sources warned that the party is seen as the government’s primary opposition – and Nigel Farage in particular is an “anti-politics” figurehead for a public tired of gameplay and slumps in economic growth.

Nigel Farage rejoiced as Reform UK won three council seats in England last night, hailing one result as "epic". The party claimed by-election gains in Essex's Frinton ward last night, with Anne Davis becoming a new councillor for Tendring District Council and Fiona Ann Knowles winning the Frinton and Walton Town Council seat.