Reform’s success depends on signs its future is brighter and mid-career politicians jumping ship is a big one
Conservative politician’s switch comes as rightwing populist party has clear lead in polls
Party has set up a cost-cutting unit modelled on Elon Musk’s Doge initiative in US
Populist party adopts ‘common sense’ approach and welcomes previously rejected applicants
Former banker James McMurdock is alleged to have borrowed £70,000 through two companies
Reform UK wooing the City after executives expressed concern about uncosted policies
Populist party is already taking credit for a Home Office contractor’s pause in asylum placements
Chief of staff to UK prime minister argues government needs to head off Nigel Farage by leaning to the right
Reform UK says policy would transfer money directly to poorest 10%
PM’s decision was controversial with some Labour strategists fearing it gave Reform UK too much credibility
Low donations reflect leader Nigel Farage’s difficulty in capitalising on party’s political momentum and polling lead
Main opposition party received more than £3.3mn while Reform UK failed to gain big-ticket supporters
Analysis of polling data shows party competes directly with Labour in poorer heartlands
Ex-banker Zia Yusuf will lead efficiency-seeking initiative for local councils
Internal tensions have beset rightwing grouping even as it leads national opinion polls
But pollsters argue that Reform’s gain of vote share is main story of night
Hamilton result gives momentum to Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar
Promised seven-figure sum has not materialised, say senior figures
Conservative leader will harden her immigration stance, but her party is no longer trusted by voters on the right
Senior figure in populist movement says role is ‘no longer good use of my time’
Reform UK leader’s visit ahead of closely watched by-election reflects populist party’s rise north of border
Plummeting support for Keir Starmer’s party points to impact of some policies that have proven highly unpopular
Rightwing party says cryptocurrencies will be allowed as a form of tax payment if it wins power
Plus: Rachel Reeves’ problems are piling up ahead of the Autumn Budget
With no overarching theory of change, the government is hell-bent on avoiding unpopular decisions to improve the state
