'Britain needs a decent opposition. That's why the Tories must expose Reform's manifesto,' says Bill Rammell

And at some stage - I don’t think for 10 or 15 years - the Tories will return to Government. And they need to have vanquished Reform by then.

So firstly, the Tories need to recognise that Farage and Reform do pose them an existential threat.

Reform can get close to 20 per cent of the vote, splitting the right, and making the job of winning so much easier for Labour.

Remember how Margaret Thatcher reigned supreme in the eighties on a minority vote because the left and centre left were split. Well, the boot is on the other foot now, and the right is split, hugely benefitting Labour.

Secondly, the Tories need to realise that whilst Nigel Farage is very skilful at appealing to 15/20 per cent of voters, he repels far, far more. He has a big net disapproval rating according to polls. Even amongst leave voters.

So, the Tory response to Farage and Reform needs to be shaped accordingly. Don’t try to ape or appease Farage. Rather position the Tories on the sensible, centre right.

The only position from which the Tories have won and can win. So that when the swing comes against Labour, the Tories are in a position to win Farage or no Farage.

So, what does this mean in practice? The starting point is to expose Nigel Farage for populist he is. A snake oil salesman, who proposes simplistic solutions for complicated problems.

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The Tories need to get detailed on Reform policy. Their manifesto calls for public spending cuts of £70billion. Explain and expose this.

Reform proposed everyone earning £20,000 a year or less paying no tax.

So, two thirds of workers would have no stake in tax and spending decisions, and end up demanding huge public spending with no appreciation of how its to be paid for.

The Tories need to tackle Farage on his hesitant support for the NHS. Exposing that he is on the record advocating an insurance-based system run by private companies to fund the NHS.

The Tories need to challenge Nigel Farage on his comments during the riots, which gave succour - even if inadvertently - to the rioters.