Reform UK hailed a 'statement' showing today after the Tories barely held on to second place in the Blackpool South by-election.
In a worrying sign for Rishi Sunak, the insurgents came in just 117 votes behind the Conservative candidate in the Commons contest.
There was also significant support in council contests. In Sunderland - where Reform stood a full slate - it beat the Tories into third place in 16 of 25 seats.
Although the PM will be relieved that he dodged Reform taking second place in Blackpool, the numbers will fuel fears about the right-wing vote being split at the general election.