Tendring On

Let the whole sordid business of Nigel Farage's funny money reach its natural conclusion, whether before or after the Clacton by-election, at which William Clouston's candidacy suggests trouble in paradise.

Moreover, in 2024, Pamela Walford took 25 per cent of the vote and came second at Maldon, for Reform UK, of which she appears still to be a member. Yet she is an Independent candidate at Clacton. Might she be a good, old-fashioned decoy? And might there be any more?

Meanwhile, thoughts and prayers are with David Bull, who had been on manoeuvres to enter the Reform Leadership contest once he had won the Central Suffolk and North Ipswich by-election that would have resulted from the conviction of the acquitted Patrick Spencer.

It was Labour in second place there in 2024, and that party is now tied with Reform in the polls, while Count Binface is miles ahead of Farage, and there are still three years, the length of an entire Parliament in Australia, until the next General Election. No fat lady has sung yet.