There will be many words written about the Makerfield and Aberdeen by-elections, but one thing is clear - the results have left the idea of the Conservatives doing a deal with Reform dead.

Was Rob Kenyon really the best that Reform could come up with in a political battle that attracted widespread national interest?

From a hopeless candidate to botched strategy, this latest byelection defeat is telling. But for Labour, there is still a long and arduous journey ahead, says Guardian columnist…