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.

MSP Davy Russell beats SNP in a narrow victory, as Reform jumps into third place for Scottish Parliament seat.

The result provides some relief for Starmer, whose party has suffered a steep fall in support after it raised taxes, cut welfare benefits and got into a row over donations.