The right always does unity and solidarity better than the left. While real difference exists between liberals and social conservatives, or between globalisers and nationalists, the right has a stronger sense of self-interest. It is much less likely to allow perfect to be the enemy of good.

It is by understanding this that you can see past Nigel Farage’s denial of comments that he expects Reform to do an election deal with the Conservatives, as reported by the Financial Times. Particularly since this denial is caveated by his statement that he won’t work with the Tories “as they are”. Likewise, reports in the Times that senior Reform figures are appealing to Farage to secure the defection of Robert Jenrick and appoint him as chancellor after an election victory may be rejected by Jenrick. But whatever their individual ambitions, both will surely concede to the emerging consensus: to unite the right, at whatever cost.

It is easy for Farage to deny these claims for now, riding high as Reform has been since the general election. But despite doubling its support, it has seemingly hit a ceiling in the low 30s in the polls. Meanwhile, the Conservatives have stabilised in the mid-teens. With no knockout blow looking likely from either side, there is immense pressure from party funders and the rightwing press, the........

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