Speaking to The Sun’s Political Editor Harry Cole, the Transport Minister said: “I think if we want to get rid of socialism from this country, there may well be a point where the right of centre parties have to play nicely.

“I don’t think we’re at the point of having to negotiate a deal like that yet.

“I very much hope we can have a Conservative victory and we’re a long way off a general election.”

Asked what “playing nicely” would involve, Mr Smith responded: “I think it’s far too early to say what that looks like in detail.

“But there’s going to be a point where the parties on the right of centre look at where things stand ahead of the 2029 general election, and if there is a risk of a continuous Labour government, then there has to be some sort of deal negotiated.

“What that looks like it’s far too early to say.”

Both the Tory and Reform leaders have repeatedly ruled out any sort of non-aggression pack or merger.

But MPs in both parties will look to the May 1 local elections as an indicator of how well they can fare without the other’s help.

New polling by YouGov has put the Tory chief’s current favourability rating at 18 per cent.

Above her Mr Farage sits at 27 per cent while Sir Keir Starmer steams ahead on 32.