UK: Nigel Wins.

Clacton-on-Sea has spoken, which means Farage wins in more ways than one. Now, he can rant about a parliamentary witch hunt instigated by his enemies. Sound familiar? Can you say slap on the wrist in the offing, and then the circus will move on.

This is where Burnham has to be Farage's match. He needs to best him and do it quickly, what with polls being described charitably as fluid. One week it's Labour's game, the next week belongs to Reform UK. So, Andy has got his work cut out for him. He would be foolish to underestimate Farage, not to mention his staying power. Reform may be wobbly now, but they're hardly on the ropes. Burnham needs to keep that top of mind.  Reform remains formidable and, as such, remains a considerable political threat.