“Makerfield we got 16,000 votes and hoped for a few more but we were never going to win that by-election looking back on it, because there was a tidal wave of support for getting rid of Keir Starmer,” said Mr Farage.

“Ironically we won seats in the Wigan area on May 7 saying vote Reform, get Starmer out.

“But now it was vote Burnham and get Starmer out.

“That was a pretty unusual, freakish by-election.

“Look, I think we have a candidate (Mr Sutton) who is eminently qualified to do this job and I’m confident he will win.”

Mr Farage said he had “no pitch for those who wish to vote for Restore” Britain’s candidate in the PCC poll.

Mr Farage was greeted with applause as he took to the stage…