Reform UK has won the by-election in Runcorn near Liverpool and is dominating the English local government election results. The Westminster seat that they won used to be a Labour safe seat. But is this really a surprise? History tells us that poverty and inequality are fuel for right-wing populism.

Once known as ‘The Brexit Party,’ Nigel Farage’s group promised that leaving the EU would increase Britain’s prosperity and opportunity.

That has not happened of course. Brexit continues to cost the UK more as time goes on. Non tariff trade barriers grow, opportunities fall, services are affected as well as goods and inequality worsens. The brunt of Brexit pain disproportionately impacts the poorest in society. They are the ones who have to put back the aubergines and buy carrots instead - courtesy of Nigel Farage’s crusade against EU support for farmers.