The first projection suggests the vote will be on a knife-edge in the first major test of Nigel Farage in this parliament.

Reform UK has accused Rupert Lowe, one of its MP s, of threatening Mr Yusuf, and has reported him to the police, who say they are investigating. The party has also appointed a senior lawyer to look into claims of bullying in his office. Reform UK has also suspended Mr Lowe, reducing its parliamentary strength to just four.

The UK could be about to gain a new right-wing party to rival Reform UK, as opponents of Nigel Farage plot to weaken his influence. Farage was credited with turning Reform into a viable threat to mainstream parties when he sensationally returned as leader during last year’s election.