How scared must the uniparty of Labour and the Tories be of Reform UK? Clearly petrified. Over the weekend, the Tory deputy chairman said on live television that his party might consider a pre-election deal with Nigel Farage if Conservative fortunes do not improve.

Matt Vickers told Sky’s Trevor Phillips to “come back and ask” about a pact before the general election in words which could come to haunt his boss, Tory leader Kemi Badenoch. She has ruled out a coalition with Reform but, only last week, party chairman Kevin Hollinrake hinted in an interview with the Telegraph he would be willing to do a deal with Reform if the Tories were left with no other choice after an election.

Given where the polls stand however, Reform would be wary of any deal, especially pre-election. The Tories – as things stand – have infinitely more to gain from such an arrangement than Reform. The mass defection of ex-Tory MPs is something of a mixed blessing for Farage. Yes, it’s a coup against Badenoch and lends Reform credibility as the new voice of the political Right.

But the last thing Reform needs is to look like a reheated Conservative Party, with all the baggage that would bring. Especially the case since Reform pitches itself as the alternative insurgent party supplanting the Tories.

And it isn’t just the Tories running scared of Reform. Another chairman – this time Anna Turley of the Labour Party – has also refused to rule out a delay to the general election. The Labour Government has already been accused of frustrating democracy by delaying local elections in over 60 authorities, ostensibly due to local government reforms.

The suspicion is Labour is looking for any excuse to deprive Reform of big wins in next May’s local elections. But rumours abound Sir Keir and co could pull the same trick with Lords reform and the general election.

Anna Turley said, when pressed: “Of course, the general election will come. The House of Lords aren’t elected, so I’m a bit, sort of, confused as to why House of Lords reform would impact on a general election. So, there’s no change to a plan for a general election.” Hardly a denial!

From conveniently timed allegations about Farage’s schooldays to claims of election overspending which turns out to be something and nothing, Reform faces huge challenges to topple it.Could Labour really stymie democracy itself? And how scared much Labour be, and the Tories as well they would stoop this low? Reform of course is ahead and climbing.

But, make no mistake, no trick will be deemed too dirty to not be attempted against Reform in 2026 and beyond. Farage has gotten under the uniparty’s skin. But now the real battle for the heart and soul of Britain begins.