There was more evidence of a Reform surge today as a poll found the party’s support just a single point behind Labour.
YouGov research put Nigel Farage’s outfit on 25 per cent, having leapfrogged the Tories on 22 per cent.
Although surveys this far out from an election can be difficult to interpret – and more than a quarter of those asked did not opt for any party – such figures would put Reform on track for a major breakthrough.
Electoral Calculus projections suggest Mr Farage would be in charge of more than 100 MPs, with Labour still the largest party on 287 seats – but short of an overall majority.
The Conservatives could get 128, and the Lib Dems 77.
The findings reflect the stunning fall from grace for Labour since Keir Starmer’s huge victory in July.
Labour secured 34 per cent of the vote then, while the Tories received 24 per cent and Reform 14 per cent.
YouGov found that Reform was garnering support from men, with 30 per cent backing the party.
However, Labour remains the most popular with 18-24 year olds, favoured by 36 per cent to 19 per cent for Reform.
The poll also underlines the scale of the challenge for Kemi Badenoch as she tries to restore the Conservatives’ fortunes.
Mr Farage has been in the headlines over his rollercoaster alliance with US billionaire Elon Musk.
The Tesla and Space X mogul, a staunch supporter of Donald Musk, had sparked speculation he could donate up to $100million to Reform after wading into the grooming gangs row.
However, he then used his X social media site to insisted Mr Farage ‘doesn’t have what it takes’ after the Brexit champion condemned jailed far-right activist Tommy Robinson.