The Conservative Party and Reform UK have been urged to form an electoral pact to avoid splitting the right-wing vote in the upcoming Makerfield by-election. The proposal suggests that the Tories should stand aside next month, allowing Reform UK a clear run to defeat Andy Burnham, the Labour-aligned Mayor of Manchester who is seeking a return to Westminster.
In return, Nigel Farage's Reform UK would make way in Scotland, following the resignation of SNP MP Stephen Flynn from the Aberdeen South constituency to take a seat in the Scottish Parliament. Senior Tories have advocated for this arrangement to 'unite the Right' and prevent a left-wing victory.
A poll conducted by the Daily Mail asked readers: 'Would Britain vote to rejoin the EU if a second referendum is held?' Of over 48,000 votes, 72% responded 'no', while 28% said 'yes'.
