The reeling in of Reform: Nigel Farage sees poll lead halved in a week amid infighting and backing for benefits splurge

There were more signs of Reform being reeled in today as a poll showed the party's lead dwindling.
YouGov research put Nigel Farage 's insurgents on 27 per cent - down two points from last week.
Meanwhile, Labour clawed back a point to 24 per cent, meaning Reform's advantage has halved.
The Tories were stuck on just 17 per cent with the Lib Dems on 15 per cent and the Greens 10 per cent.
Evidence has been mounting that the sheen is coming off Mr Farage's party following an extraordinary rise in popularity.
At the end of May Reform was eight points ahead according to YouGov.
The reasons remain unclear, although Reform has come under heavy fire for backing an end to the two-child benefit cap and unrealistic tax and spending plans.
There has been a chaotic bout of infighting that saw chairman Zia Yusuf initially quit swiping it was not worth his time trying to get the party elected.
He U-turned on the resignation soon afterwards, but Mr Farage replaced him as chairman with David Bull.
Critics have pounced on mixed messages about whether the Burka should be banned and the death penalty restored.
Meanwhile, Keir Starmer has shifted strategy to mount full-frontal attacks on Mr Farage and his policies, rather than trying to ignore his political threat.
Dramatic local election results last month caused panic in Labour circles.
Reform seized 10 councils, two mayoralties and the Parliamentary seat of Runcorn in a by-election.

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