Local branches of the Conservative Party and Reform UK have held talks about unofficial pacts ahead of local council elections next year, a bid to unite right-wing voters against Keir Starmer’s governing Labour Party.

Nick Candy, the luxury property developer and an ex-Tory donor, is the newest recruit to Nigel Farage’s Reform UK. Candy has become the party’s treasurer, tasked with leading fundraising efforts for Reform ahead of the next election.

Storm Darragh battering Britain is perhaps the perfect backdrop for a day with Nigel Farage, a man whose party Reform UK has blown away support for both the Conservatives and Labour since the General Election just six months ago.