Ministers are trying to quell fears over Nigel Farage's vow to unveil a Labour defector next week.

Reform have paraded two switchers from the Tories in recent days – first former chancellor Nadhim Zahawi and then ex-leadership hopeful Robert Jenrick. 

But Mr Farage used a press conference alongside Mr Jenrick last night to pledge that a 'well-known' addition from Labour will be named on Tuesday.

He would not be drawn further but said the announcement will be 'marvellous fun'.

A significant figure joining Reform would cause more damage to Keir Starmer, who has been desperately trying to get his government back on track amid apocalyptic polls.  

But Chancellor Rachel Reeves was dismissive when asked about the prospect on a visit to County Durham. 

'Nigel Farage says a lot of things and I think we should all take those with a pinch of salt,' she told ITV Tyne Tees.

In a round of interviews this morning, Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said he was 'not worried'.

'I'm not worried, and I don't know if that will happen,' he told Times Radio.

Blue Labour peer Lord Glasman and veteran MP Graham Stringer are among the names subject to fevered speculation. 

Mr Stringer denied it is him. 'I've been in the party a long time and I'm staying,' he said.

Lord Glasman is also believed to have ruled out defecting.

Baroness Hoey – a Brexiteer ally of Mr Farage who was a Labour minister but now sits as an independent – has also been mooted. That would not technically be regarded as a defection.

But one cynical Labour source said: 'Has Farage ever pre-trailed a decent defection?'