Margaret Thatcher had a phrase she often repeated when challenged on her strident adherence to her unapologetically right-wing economic principles. “There is no alternative,” the former Conservative prime minister would say to those who pointed out the social unrest and industrial devastation her policies were causing.

The dire by-election result came as Reform made gains against both Labour and the Conservatives across England.

After a political earthquake night of election results in favour of Reform, the Prime Minister may have questions to answer.