The big chap seemed to emerge from nowhere and I was immediately on my guard. He was tall and solid with a no-nonsense haircut and looked like he could handle himself. He wore a bright red tee-shirt. There was some intricate body art. But it was Ross Lambie he was going for: not me.

I’d expected a moment like this: the Reform UK candidate being confronted by an irate local about Nigel Farage’s latest gobby rant. I’m immediately checking out Gordon the photographer to see if any of his camera equipment might double as a chib for defensive purposes.

As though sensing our disquiet, the big man immediately thrust out his hand to Lambie and said, “Hello, I wish you all the best next Thursday. Keep up the good work. I honestly think you’ll win and I hope you do.” Later he’ll tell us that his name is William.

He also wanted to get something off his chest: a lot of things, actually; a full ten minutes worth. He’d been a Labour voter all his life, but no longer trusted them to........

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