Lee Anderson challenged Sir Keir Starmer over delayed local elections in a fiery PMQs clash. The Reform UK MP called on the Prime Minister to guarantee that council ballots postponed earlier this year and those due to take place next May would go ahead.

Reform leader Nigel Farage was up in arms that votes were pushed back due to a local government shake-up, with the insurgent party claiming it was in areas where they would perform best. Speaking in the Commons, Mr Anderson said: “Whilst the Labour frontbench continue to peddle their own form of dog whistle politics, Reform UK are cracking on with the day job.

“Our Reform-led councils have already identified savings of over £330 million in the first six months.

“The Prime Minister may shake his head propped up by these gullible backbenchers, but here’s the challenge.

“Will he guarantee, will he ensure that all the council elections from this year and the proposed local elections for next year will go ahead in May 2024. Go on, be a man.”

Sir Keir replied: “I didn’t realise he’s quite so good at stand-up comedy.

“He talks about dog whistle, last week his leader said he didn’t have time to condemn the racist comments of his fellow MP for Runcorn.

“He also said he didn’t have time to condemn his party calling children in care evil.

“I wonder if he can ask his leader next door to him whether he’s got time for his explanation for the stories in today’s papers.”