Clutching surfboards clad with slogans like “end sewage pollution” in gaffer tape, Giles Bristow – chief executive of Surfers Against Sewage – and a group of campaigners delivered their petition signed by 350,000 people to number 10 Downing Street earlier this month. Their message was simple: clean up Britain’s polluted water.

The charity has been campaigning on the issue for its entire 36-year existence. But this year, it’s been thrust into the country’s consciousness amid the extreme droughts and floods which have laid bare the extent of the issue – as well as through Channel 4’s incredibly powerful and must-watch docu-drama, Dirty Business which the charity worked on.

Dirty Business portrayed the story of Heather Preen, an eight-year-old girl who died in 1999 after contracting E. coli 0157 (the most dangerous strain) during a family holiday in Devon, following a sewage spill. Heather’s mother, Julie Maughan, has continued campaigning for cleaner water with the charity ever since and was also at Downing Street.

The petition is calling to “clean up” the government’s proposed Clean Water Bill, and to end the broken privatised ownership of our water system that’s been in place since 1989 that “pollutes for profit” and does “not prioritise the environment or our health,” Bristow tells me when we meet at Surfers Against Sewage’s offices in St Agnes, Cornwall.

Surfers Against Sewage is creating a groundswell for systemic change, with Bristow saying that for the majority of businesses “the only duty that exists is to return a reasonable profit to shareholders”.

The number of signatures show the public is increasingly unwilling to accept polluted rivers and seas as normal. “We’re firmly putting this on [prime minister] Andy Burnham‘s agenda – he cannot ignore this tidal wave of public opinion. This is just the tip of the iceberg of the people who care about this issue,” Bristow says.

This summer has also made the issue even more difficult to ignore. During July and August, Surfers Against Sewage recorded more than 43,000 hours of sewage discharges into England’s waters, including more than 2,000 hours into designated bathing waters. Water companies are only permitted to discharge untreated sewage only following heavy rainfall and storms, when the systems are overloaded – yet it’s been the hottest summer on record, with barely any rainfall.

During those months, Surfers Against Sewage also received 636 reports via its app (Safer Sea & Rivers Service, which shows water quality across the UK and is a valuable source for water users) from people who said they had become ill after swimming.

For Bristow, this is not only an environmental problem. “We’re sitting on a public health crisis,” he says.

He personally knows the risks and has regularly suffered ear and eye infections, as well as stomach bugs and skin infections after going into the water. The charity’s own data shows the effects it is having. “About 50 per cent of people are really worried about getting into our wild waters and enjoying them,” Bristow says.

His first experience of pollution dates back to the 1980s, surfing around Saunton Sands in Devon. “At that time, you would experience sanitary products in the sea around you,” Bristow says. “That happens less now because there’s screening of the pollution, but it doesn’t mean that the water quality itself is any better.” The solids may be removed, he explains, but bacteria and viruses can remain.

Bristow says one of the most frustrating aspects of the current crisis is how little is known about its full health impact of sewage in water, which isn’t helped by the fact “it’s not routine for doctors to ask if unwell people have been swimming,”. Instead, patients may just be asked what they’ve eaten, “We’re not really collecting the data centrally in public health to know the full extent of this issue,” he says.

“We’ve got to be careful because this is the underpinning of the world and the environment, the place that we live,” he says. “Our food production, our ability to exist on the planet, is very much dependent on the health of the ocean,” Bristow adds.

The charity CEO is increasingly concerned about less visible pollutants, from microplastics to PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). terrifyingly known as forever chemicals. “Once they exist, and come off the product they go into our water system, they will never go away,” Bristow says, adding that they only break down after incineration.

As well as the chemicals, Bristow says microplastics are a nightmare. “We think of the plastic pollution problem as the bottles floating in the ocean, and that is a macro problem,” he adds. The smaller particles present a much harder problem to see – and therefore deal with.

Yet despite the scale of the problem, Bristow is not without hope which he finds most powerful in the people who have joined the campaign. “My hope really springs from the communities who are passionate, creative and innovative and join in their campaigning,” he says.

Bristow says the past five years have been among the charity’s most consequential, as public awareness of water pollution has grown rapidly. Part of that change came from the pandemic, when people began spending more time outdoors where people were seeing the pollution for themselves.

Since then, water bills have begun increasing and people are taking umbrage. “They’re saying ‘this is not right. I am not paying for this, I’m not going to stand for it,’” Bristow explains, adding that ultimately, it means people are no longer seeing polluted water as someone else’s problem.

Climate100 is sponsored in partnership with Octopus Energy

The Independent will be revealing its 2026 Climate 100 List on 20 September

What does ‘skill issue’ mean?

​A successful bid has been made for Scarborough’s Alpamare waterpark, which was put up for sale by North Yorkshire Council in May.

​​The local authority took control of the venue in Burniston Road following the collapse of developer Benchmark Leisure Ltd in 2023, before it was reopened in July 2024.

​​The current operator, ​Flamingo Land, based near Malton, originally secured a contract to run it for 12 months, with an option to extend its lease for a further year.

Alpamare. Courtesy Stripe Leisure Consulting

​North Yorkshire Council’s assistant director for commercial, property and procurement, Kerry Metcalfe, said: “We are pleased with the level of interest in the sale of Alpamare.

​“There are transitional matters to resolve now but the successful bid paves the way for private sector investment in the waterpark that will protect its future as a key visitor attraction and preserve a well-loved local venue.”

​She added: “We were encouraged by the preferred bidder’s proposals for future investment in the site, including plans to improve the energy efficiency and environmental performance of the facility as part of a wider refurbishment programme.

​“The preferred purchaser intends to undertake improvement works with a view to reopening the facility during the first quarter of 2027.”

​Cllr Eric Broadbent, who represents the Northstead division on North Yorkshire Council, said: “I’m happy that North Yorkshire Council has chosen a preferred bidder to run Alpamare.

​“It’s been a long-running saga over many, many years, and it’s a vitally important part of our tourism, for the North Bay especially.

​“The waterpark has had its ups and downs, and Flamingo Land has done a brilliant job as a sort of caretaker.”

​He added: “The most important thing is that they’ve kept the facility running, and it’s a boon to Scarborough for residents and tourists. And at least we can move forward now and get Scarborough, once again, attracting people from all over.”

Coun Eric Broadbent. Nyc

​Property consultants Newmark and Stripe Leisure said there was a “great opportunity to enhance revenue” in developing activities and facilities within the landholding.

​​”These include a large 4.7-hectare plateau, formerly used as an amusement park, and a gateway site with previous consent for a cinema and restaurants,” the company said.

​The attraction opened in 2016 with the help of a £9m loan that was granted by the now-defunct Scarborough Borough Council to developer Benchmark Leisure Ltd.

​But the developer went into administration in October 2023, leading North Yorkshire Council to take possession of the site.

​Last year, a fact-finding review by the council’s auditor concluded that the decision to grant a loan to Benchmark Leisure Limited was “undoubtedly risky”.

​Assistant director for commercial, property and procurement at NYC, Ms Metcalfe, said the site’s sale would allow the council to step back from future investment and liabilities, “protecting residents from any further costs”.

​She added: “This is important to us as we do not believe the council is best placed to operate an attraction of this nature. Alpamare continues to be operated by Flamingo Land under its existing lease arrangements, which expire on October 31, 2026.”

Alpamare Interior. Courtesy Stripe Leisure Consulting

​Cllr Broadbent told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS): “It’s a brilliant piece of news for tourism.

“We’ve just had a brilliant summer, and now we can look forward to many more summers with Alpamare up and running as it was always meant to be.”

​He added that “residents especially” would be glad to hear about stability for the future of the site.

​“I know that they do lots of different deals and discounts for our youngsters, so the residents of Scarborough can look forward to it.

“Hopefully there will be some more discounted fees in the winter to keep our own residents happy, and also the tourists will come flocking, so it’s all brilliant news.”

If you’ve got your beauty favourites you’d like to stock up on for less, the best Boots Black Friday deals are worth keeping an eye on. It’s not just skincare and make-up either, the retailer drops prices on everything from fragrance to coveted hair tools (did someone say, Dyson airwrap?).

The sale is still a little way off, and Boots hasn’t officially announced its 2026 Black Friday plans yet, but that doesn’t mean there’s aren’t deals worth shopping in the meantime. We’ll be keeping tabs on the retailer’s offers as we get closer to the end of November, as well as looking out for the brands and products that tend to see the biggest reductions in its beauty aisles.

Below, you’ll find everything we know about the Boots Black Friday 2026 sale, including when we expect the sale to start, what to look out for and deals to shop now.

Read more: Everything you need to know about Black Friday 2026

When is the Boots Black Friday sale?

Black Friday falls on Friday, 27 November this year, but like most retailers, Boots rarely makes it a one day affair these days. While it has not confirmed dates just yet, the retailer has said shoppers should keep checking back for the month of November.

Read more: Boots’s 2026 advent calendars reviewed

Can you collect Boots points during Black Friday?

You can use your Boots Advantage Card as normal during Black Friday, meaning you’ll collect Advantage Card points on eligible purchases just as you would throughout the rest of the year.

Boots also has additional perks for certain members. Those signed up to the Over 60s Club can earn extra Advantage Card points on Boots own-brand products and selected exclusives, and if you’re a member of the Student Discount club you can get money off thousands of products.

Read more: Best Boots discount codes

Early Boots deals

Last year, Boots’s Black Friday deals covered everything from the Dyson airwrap to Givenchy lip liner, alongside more offers on make-up, skincare, fragrance and more. We’ll be expecting a similar mix this year, with offers available both online and in Boots stores. Can’t wait? There are already some Boots offers worth a look.

Nursem caring hand cream

Reviewed as part of our guide to the best eczema creams, reviewer Humeara Mohamed said that this cream “will soothe, condition and regenerate skin on sore, reactive hands.” It’s also a favourite of IndyBest writer Lois Borny who says in her guide to the best hand creams that the ingredients “work to moisturise and nourish the skin, while plant oils and glycerin help the hands to stay hydrated by restoring its protective barrier.”

It’s currently 25 per cent off at Boots, bringing the price down to £7.49.

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Oura ring 4

It’s not just beauty products on offer at Boots, you can even pick up fitness wearables like the Oura ring 4. After extensive testing by fitness editor Emilie Lavinia, she wrote in her Oura ring 4 review that it is a “valuable investment for regular people who want to take charge of their health, work with the AI coach, and share reports with their doctor.”

Yves Saint Laurent libre eau de parfum

One of the most iconic fragrances out there, YSL libre impressed beauty writer Lucy Smith with its staying power. In her guide to the best perfumes she wrote, “After testing it, I can confirm that it lasts a long time, with the fragrance almost as pungent in hour eight as when I first spritzed it.”

She describes the notes as “deep and complex, combining lavender and orange blossom to create a botanical, warm fragrance like a jar of honey”. Right now you can 20 per cent off the perfume at Boots using the code “FRAG20”.

Eager to start shopping sales? Amazon’s October Prime Day sale has been confirmed

Fans of The Inbetweeners have been given an exciting first look at filming for the third film as the cast were on set this week to shoot a mystery wedding scene.

Simon Bird (Will McKenzie), Joe Thomas (Simon Cooper), James Buckley (Jay Cartwright), Blake Harrison (Neil Sutherland) were all seen in smart suits outside a church – though it wasn’t immediately clear who out of the four of them was getting hitched.

Plans for the movie emerged last month but shortly after it was reported that Emily Atack – who played Charlotte ‘Big Jugs’ Hinchcliffe – wouldn’t be returning over an alleged past feud with James. 

As filming kicked off, Ruby Wax‘s actress daughter Marina Bye – who wasn’t in the series or either of the other films – was revealed as the bride and was pictured in a wedding dress.

Also spotted on set was Emily Head, 37, who played Simon’s teenage obsession Carli D’Amato as well as Martin Trenaman who played Simon’s dad Alan.

Meanwhile the famously awkward Will was seen getting close to new US actress Hannah Cruz as the pair filmed a scene together – sparking intrigue over whether he finally has a woman in his life.

A host of new faces were also seen joining the boys, including Marama Corlett, Tadhg Murphy and Vanessa Eng.

Simon Bird (Will McKenzie), Joe Thomas (Simon Cooper), James Buckley (Jay Cartwright) – pictured -, Blake Harrison (Neil Sutherland) were all seen in smart suits

It wasn’t immediately clear who out of the four of them were getting hitched (Joe Thomas who plays Simon Cooper is seen)

The pictures give fans their first proper look at the boys reunited for the new movie – but exactly whose wedding has brought them all back together remains a closely guarded secret.

Earlier this month fans started predicting storylines for the upcoming third movie, which was announced by Netflix recently. 

Following the exciting reveal that production had started on the much-anticipated return, fans swarmed social media with hypotheses about the characters.

While some mused over the futures of geeky Will, lying Jay, gormless Neil and earnest Simon in the third film, some however also voiced fears of the risqué comedy becoming ‘watered-down and politically correct’. 

The news of its return followed months of speculation over the revival of the sitcom, which was originally broadcast on Channel 4 between 2008 and 2010 before the release of two films in 2011 and 2014 and a reunion in 2019.

At the heart of the speculation was the prospect of the return of Emily‘s character Charlotte, after it was rumoured she was delaying the reunion due to a longstanding feud with James.  

Emily, 36, whose star has risen in recent years thanks to her role in Rivals, is said to have refused to return after she was unceremoniously axed from The Inbetweeners reunion seven years ago following a ‘past fling’ with James.

After a joyous response to news of the third movie, fans soon began predicting the storylines – with a number of prospects for the characters.   

As filming kicked off, actress Marina Bye – who wasn’t in the series or either of the other films – was pictured in a wedding dress

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The pictures give fans their first proper look at the boys reunited for the new movie – but exactly whose wedding has brought them all back together remains a closely guarded secret

Following the exciting reveal that production had started on the much-anticipated return, fans swarmed social media with hypotheses about the characters this month

Blake – who plays Neil – was also seen at the church 

The official news of its return followed months of speculation over the revival of the sitcom, which was originally broadcast on Channel 4 between 2008 and 2010

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Also spotted on set was Emily Head, 37, who played Simon’s teenage obsession Carli D’Amato

Emily was seen on set but didn’t appear to be one of the wedding guests 

Joe looked in good spirits as he filmed his scenes  

Simon looked smart in his wedding tux – but it wasn’t clear if it was him getting married or not 

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Meanwhile the famously awkward Will was seen getting close to new US actress Hannah Cruz as the pair filmed a scene together

The bride – played by Marina Bye – was ready for her big day 

Simon was seen trying to chat up a woman outside the church

Despite excitement over the return, it has been reported that streaming bosses aren’t satisfied with just the main men returning, as they want Emily Atack on board too

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One fan kicked off the speculation, writing: ‘Inbetweeners 3 predictions: Jay is woke, Neil is rich from stocks/crypto, Simon is back with Tara. The film is Will’s stag do and his fiancée is Charlotte or just someone too fit for him so that’s a joke made all film.’ 

Another list read: ‘Predictions: Simon’s getting married but Tara’s back on the scene and he’s had his head turned. Stag do antics see Neil (who’s in recovery) in bother…

‘Will funds the trip with the bonus from his City job. Jay lives hand to mouth and is an awesome stay at home dad to five kids.’ 

An X user seemed to be none the wiser over Emily’s omission, as they wrote: ‘I’m gonna predict it’s about Charlotte’s wedding and she invited will…

‘He’s allowed a plus one and takes Simon but Jay and Neil tag along. Then the movie turns into hangover and it revealed Charlotte is marrying Donovan.’

Meanwhile, a slew of fans voiced concern that the show, which features ableist language, sexist slurs and more, would ‘go woke’ and politically correct.

Users wrote: ‘I’d like to think the cast wouldn’t have agreed to do this if it was watered down but let’s see… I can’t wait for this, but worry they’ll tone it down to not offend the woke brigade…

‘It’s going to be terrible mate, they won’t want to offend anyone. This is the world we live in. Full of absolute snowflakes.’

Despite excitement over the return, it has been reported that streaming bosses aren’t satisfied with just the main men returning, as they want Emily on board. 

Her feud with James is at the heart of the issue, after he is said to have blocked her from The Inbetweeners Fwends Reunited tenth anniversary show in 2019.

Reports at the time said that James was afraid his wife, Clair Meek, would find out about the brief relationship they had during the show from 2008 to 2010. 

It was alleged James warned bosses ‘it’s her or me’ after the reported fling, which happened when they were both single.

A source at the time said: ‘Emily got a call from producers 24 hours before she was due on set. They were deeply embarrassed and apologetic…

‘They had to explain that James had asked she be taken off the show. The kissing meant nothing to Emily and has never been an issue for her.

The vicar was on set too ready for the wedding 

James was making sure he looked smart ready for the wedding

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Simon was spotted trying to chat up one of the ladies outside the church ahead of the wedding beginning 

She was wearing a beautiful pink dress 

Simon was getting ready for the ceremony

James looked in great spirits as filming began

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Martin Trenaman who played Simon’s dad Alan was also spotted on set 

Emily won’t be returning for the third film, it has been reported 

‘She was very taken aback to be told she wasn’t needed, and genuinely gutted. Emily thought everything was good to go, and was looking forward to reuniting with the guys.’ 

When asked about the snub, she said: ‘Unfortunately, I don’t really know what happened there. I was booked to do it, was very much looking forward to doing it and then the day before, I was told I was no longer needed for it… 

‘It’s alright – these things do happen, and I think they just decided to go a different route with it, I don’t know. Or it was to do with production timings and things… 

‘These things do happen and they’re just doing a different route, I think, and I wish them all the best and I know it’s going to be great and the fans won’t be disappointed.’

Sources said: ‘The creators of the show have written the script and are ready to roll – but Emily is one of the missing pieces in the project they’re keen to get in place.

‘Fans will already be delighted that the four main leads are returning as there was concern that a reboot might see new, younger actors cast in the roles of the lads, who were all supposed to be teenagers in the show.

‘But it’s fair to say getting Emily back would be the cherry on the Inbetweeners cake.’

Emily had been asked about a potential Inbetweeners return on numerous occasions in the past, telling Capital FM recently: ‘I don’t know. We’d all be quite a lot older now.

‘What was quite funny was when we filmed the series I was only 17, I’d just left school, but the boys were well into… I think they were in their late twenties, early thirties.’

Josh Oliver, 29, had been living rough near the offices of Sharon Hodgson, Labour MP for Washington and Gateshead South, when he set fire to a bin store in September last year, destroying the building.

Damage at the MP for Washington and Gateshead South Sharon Hodgson’s office (Image: PA MEDIA)

At Newcastle Crown Court on Friday, Judge Sarah Mallett agreed that Oliver should be subject to an interim hospital order ahead of his sentencing which will take place on December 10.

Oliver was not in court for the brief hearing.

He has previously admitted arson on the basis that he was reckless.

Jolyon Perks, prosecuting, said while that was not fully accepted by the Crown, there may be no need for a Newton Hearing, where the facts relating to the guilty plea could be decided, given “the mental health condition of this defendant”.

A police cordon at the scene following the incident (Image: PA MEDIA)

It has previously been said in court that Oliver was discharged from the army because of his behaviour and went to live with his father.

Following a deterioration in his mental health, he began living rough near the MP’s office.

The prosecution has previously said CCTV images filmed over the days preceding the fire showed Oliver breaking windows at Vermont House, damaging it, and burgling the building before finally setting fire to the bin store.

As well as serving as the MP’s constituency office, Vermont House also accommodated a veterans’ mental health service operated by the NHS and a charity for people with extremely rare genetic diseases.

The arson charge stated that the damage to Vermont House was estimated to be between £250,000 and £500,000.

Ms Hodgson did not attend the hearing.

John Lewsley of brownfield developer NPL Group, who own some of the land, commented after seeing Bolton Council state they were making “efforts” to agree terms with landowners.

But Mr Lewsley, disputes this, stating instead that Bolton Council has not been in touch since October 2025.

Former MP Chris Green on site at the new road (Image: Office of Chris Green MP)

Mr Lewsley said: “The Directors of Landcare Manchester are fundamentally disappointed by false and misleading statements suggesting our business is responsible for delays to the New Spine Road at Horwich.

“Any fair-minded review of the absolute facts proves otherwise.

“We have always been supportive of the new road and the wider scheme, which is why we entered into the licence to build the road in the first place.

“Landcare Manchester has consistently acted in good faith to progress this critical infrastructure.”

Mr Lewsley works with Landcare Manchester, a subsidiary of the larger NPL group.

He felt it necessary to comment after a recent statement by Bolton Council, wherein they reconfirmed their determination to finish the project.

A Bolton Council spokesperson had said: “Rivington Chase remains one of Bolton Council’s highest priority regeneration projects and represents one of the borough’s most significant long-term investments.

The crucial link road has still not been opened to the public (Image: Newsquest)

“The wider masterplan will deliver approximately 1,700 new homes together with supporting mixed-use development, transforming the former Horwich Loco Works into a sustainable community with new homes, employment opportunities, community facilities and extensive public open space.

“The council remains committed to securing the completion and opening of the Rivington Chase Spine Road as soon as practicably possible.

“Over recent months, efforts have been made to reach agreement with the owners of the remaining land interests required to complete the final section of the road. Those discussions have not resulted in terms that could be progressed.

“The council’s preference remains to reach agreement with the landowners, and will seek to continue discussions to this end, but will need to consider all available options to facilitate the completion of the link road.”

Mr Lewsley stated that, having received no communication from the council since October 2025, it is not true that “efforts have been made” to reach an agreement over the land “in recent months.”

Bolton Council have since secured permission to use “compulsory purchase powers” to complete the road if they feel it necessary to do so.

A Bolton Council Spokesperson said: “The spine road is a key council priority and we are working with all parties to complete the work as soon as possible. 

“We have recently brokered a meeting between the lead developer and landowner with the aim of resolving matters in relation to negotiate for the land needed to complete the final section of the road. 

The road will be crucial to helping to reduce traffic (Image: Office of Phil Brickell MP)

“The constructive discussions are ongoing and it would not be appropriate to comment further on commercially sensitive or legal matters at this stage.

“There has never been a 500-home cap on development at Rivington Chase linked to the completion of the spine road. 

“However, there is a S106 agreement which includes a 500-home threshold, this requires the developer to fund agreed off-site highway improvements for delivery by the council.

“These works have either already been delivered or are in the process of being delivered. 

“Bolton Council’s cabinet recently authorised the use of compulsory purchase powers to complete the spine road, if needed.

“However, we remain committed to securing a negotiated resolution wherever possible.”

The original deal signed in May 2020 allowed developer Novo BlueMantle five years to finish the road and have it adopted by Bolton Council.

This five year period expired last year.

Hello and welcome to our coverage of Carrick’s press conference.

This is the United boss’ final pre-match press conference before the international break and already this weekend feels big for him and the Reds. Another defeat, at a side who have not won in the Premier League yet, would be a hammer blow and would set a dark tone heading into a three-week break. It is always ideal to win, but it feels more imperative than usual.

Shaw’s return from injury would be a big boost for the Reds. The left-back has missed three matches in a row, and United have won only once in that time. After the drab display against Brighton, we can expect Carrick to ring the changes and, hopefully for United, Shaw is one of those who can come back.

Stay tuned for updates…

How does someone’s personality relate to their choice of political party? It’s a fascinating question, and one that has interesting implications in the changing landscape of British politics right now. Would someone joining a party, for example, want to see their own personality traits reflected back at them via the party’s leader?

The question of personality becomes even more intriguing when it comes to traits that are generally seen as malign rather than benign – the so-called “dark triad”, for example. This group is made up of narcissism, Machiavellianism and psychopathy. While all three are distinct, these dark traits share features such as egotism and a willingness to lie and cheat to achieve a goal.

In our previous research we’ve covered the demography, sociology and ideology of British political party membership. But we noticed that there was little or no research on its psychology. Our most recent research aimed to fill that gap.

We wanted to uncover any links between personality and membership of the main British parties (Labour, the Conservatives, Liberal Democrats, Greens and Reform UK). We used surveys of 4,266 members of these parties to learn more about their personalities – including those traits associated with the dark triad. Then we looked at what these characteristics meant in terms of the party leaders they were most attracted to.

Of course, in psychiatry it’s considered unethical to diagnose someone with a personality disorder without meeting them – and we are most definitely not psychiatrists. So when it came to these dark traits, we borrowed the definitions from the psychologist John Rauthmann.

Narcissism is the “tendency to harbour grandiose and inflated self-views while devaluing others”. Narcissists have been shown to be extremely vain, and to seek attention and admiration. They can also exhibit feelings of superiority, authority and entitlement, as well as exhibitionism, bragging and manipulation.

Machiavellianism is described as a “tendency to cynical, misanthropic, cold, pragmatic and immoral beliefs”. It’s also characterised by the pursuit of things like power and money – as well as manipulative tactics.

Psychopathy, on the other hand, is characterised by “impulsive thrill-seeking, manipulation and antisocial behaviours”. Someone meeting the criteria for psychopathy would also be likely to demonstrate shallowness and a lack of empathy and remorse, while being superficially charming. Like those with Machiavellian traits, they can also be manipulative.

‘People who mess with me will regret it’

Our study looked at the extent to which members of each of the parties exhibited those three traits by asking them to agree or disagree with statements that tapped into them. These were things like “group activities tend to be dull without me”, “avoid direct conflict with others because they may be useful in the future”, or “people who mess with me always regret it”.

Then we looked at whether party members who exhibit dark triad traits prefer – at least in the abstract – leaders who seem to show them too. But rather than name real leaders, we asked them about the kind of leadership characteristics that they admired or disparaged. Each of these was linked to a dark triad trait – so whether, for example, they liked a leader who saw themselves as exceptional, or was happy to manipulate people to get their way, or was unconcerned if they hurt someone’s feelings.

We found that the higher members scored on the dark triad themselves, the more likely they were to favour “dark” leaders. We then went on to examine whether those leaders were more likely to find favour with members of particular political parties.

And it turns out that they do. Reform UK members and Conservative members scored higher on dark triad measures than those from Labour, the Lib Dems and Greens. And party members with stronger dark triad traits are indeed more likely to favour leaders displaying them too.

It is no surprise, perhaps, that Tory and Reform members gravitate towards populist leaders such as Boris Johnson and Nigel Farage. In many ways they are the personification of the kind of leader they say they like − supremely self-confident and charismatic “alpha”-types who mix charm with something of a take-no-prisoners attitude.

Our research also supports the notion that there is something of a convergence – in our case a psychological and not merely ideological convergence – between, on the one hand, members of the centre-right Conservative party and the populist radical right Reform UK, and on the other, those who belong to the Greens, Labour and the Lib Dems.

This is yet another piece of evidence supporting the emerging consensus among political scientists that the UK is now characterised by two-bloc, rather than two-party, politics. This has huge implications for tactical voting at the next general election.

If there is little voter traffic between the two sides then what we should see is voters supporting whichever party in their bloc is best placed to beat the candidate put up by the other bloc. This is something that we’ve seen in several recent byelections, including the one that saw Andy Burnham triumph in Makerfield. Helped by tactical voting from those who might otherwise have voted Green or Lib Dem, the prime minister won a seat which, on paper at least, initially looked like a good prospect for Reform.

Should that bloc/anti-Reform voting be repeated at the general election, then Farage may find it difficult to convert what might turn out to be an impressive vote-share into the the kind of seat-share that would propel him into the premiership. He will hope to offset that problem by persuading Conservative voters to vote Reform in order to stop a Green, Labour or Lib Dem candidate making it to Westminster.

If we’re right, then Britain’s party members may tacitly facilitate such tactical voting. This could be by making little effort to campaign against a supposed rival from their bloc, for example, if it looks better-placed to beat the favourite on on the other side of the divide.