It has been a difficult time for Reform. A kind of malaise has hung about the party since the local elections. There have been a raft of internal changes, a barrage of funding stories, the Makerfield defeat and now, worst of all, the tragic murder of Ann Widdecombe. This morning Zia Yusuf, the party’s home affairs spokesman, will give a press conference focusing on security. But while those at the top of the party confess to feeling a sense of shock at Widdecombe’s death, work continues apace to overhaul the party for its next stage.

A fortnight ago, senior figures within Reform HQ gathered for a six hour-long meeting at Milbank Tower. Discussion centred on how best to get the party machine ready for a snap election. One of Reform’s achievements between 2024........

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