Carl Benjamin: This would actually be an inredible...
This would actually be an inredible riposte by the establishment to Farage. Farage calling the by-election was a savvy move on the assumption that everyone would actually treat it like a by-election and that his victory would signal strength, in much the same way Andy Burnham is leveraging his win in Makerfield. However, that assumes that everyone else recognises the legitimacy of the challenge. If nobody stands opposed then Farage is left looking lonely and rejected. Worse still, if Farage is only entertained by court jesters, then he looks ridiculous himself. What was a masterstroke turns into a ritual humiliation before the entire nation--and that's assuming that he wins.
https://x.com/Sargon_of_Akkad/status/2074552123182776565
