Top Tory slams Reform’s ‘unfunded commitments and gimmicks’ after Kemi Badenoch ruled out pact in wake of Makerfield by-election

Andy Burnham stormed to victory in the Manchester seat, with the Conservatives finishing a distant fourth on two per cent.

“The battle for the next Prime Minister won’t involve Kemi Badenoch at this stage. According to the polling, it's going to be a straight race between Andy Burnham and Nigel Farage,” Camilla Tominey said.

“No, not at all. Nobody can foresee what's going to happen in three years' time in a general election,” Sir Mel insisted.

“Kemi has a very clear direction for our party. It is a very sensible direction.

“Unlike reform, we will go out there and spray around all sorts of unfunded commitments and gimmicks left, right and centre."

“We have properly and carefully thought through policies that are all funded and will be good for the economy,” the Shadow Chancellor added.