Don't discount Reform because it's had a bad year. In our angry, fragile democracy, anything can happen | John Harris

A long-form commentary argues that Reform UK’s recent setbacks haven’t eliminated its chance to lead or even enter government, with the pace of an election potentially faster than many expect. The piece contrasts Labour’s need to offer “hope and change” with what it describes as Reform’s strategy to amplify anxiety and resentment. It points to investigations by the Metropolitan Police and the parliamentary standards commissioner into Reform leadership finances, which could worsen the party’s problems. Those inquiries come alongside two recently announced £36 million donations from crypto figures Christopher Harborne and Ben Delo, raising questions about whether they could be ruled illegal if backdated and already spent on 400 “field agents.” The author links Reform’s prospects to a broader public sense of fear since the 2008 crash, noting Labour’s next moves may hinge on symbolism in early budgets and a 10-year plan.