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.

Two Scottish Conservative councillors have defected to Nigel Farage’s Reform UK, the party has announced. Renfrewshire councillor John Gray and South Lanarkshire councillor Ross Lambie have both joined the party. It follows claims by Reform UK’s deputy leader Richard Tice that the First Minister is “terrified” of its growing support in Scotland.