'It has become clear to all of us that it is a Cabinet of people who are wholly unqualified to run our country'

“deep crisis” Mr Farage told Reform members: “I think there is every chance now of a General Election happening in 2027 and we must be ready for that moment.”

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Reform is looking to turn a huge opinion poll lead into a majority Government at Westminster and move into Downing Street.

Mr Farage told his followers: “Not only have they [Labour] fallen into deep unpopularity...but it has become clear to all of us that it is a Cabinet of wholly unqualified people to run our country. They are not fit to govern.”

His speech in Birmingham was brought forward by three hours following news of Ms Rayner’s departure. In another surprise, Mr Farage broke off to introduce Nadine Dorries who had defected to Reform on Thursday.

The ex-Tory Culture Secretary, like Mr Farage, is a veteran of the I'm A Celebrity show on TV and her arrival on stage was marked by the firing of glitter cannons.

She told the cheering crowd: “I feel for the first time in a number of years as though I’m at a conference and amongst people who share the same principles and values as I have always held.”