French presidential frontrunner eyeing up 'major break' after 'teaming up' with Nigel Farage

Mr Bardella has since revealed that he would back joint patrols with Britain, supplying the UK Border Force with the go-ahead to carry out "pushbacks" in the Channel.

So far, France has refused to accept vessels that have attempted to rock up on the shores of Dover all the way from their northern beaches.

Speaking on the People's Channel, French journalist Alexander Seale harked the discussions as a "major break" from the traditional relations between the two world powers.

"So this is a big deal, because it's the first time a major French presidential contender has said he would allow the UK to carry out pushbacks in French waters," Mr Seale told presenters Charlie Peters and Nana Akua.

"For years, Paris has blocked this. And Jordan Bardella, who was in London yesterday, is signalling a huge break with French President Emmanuel Macron's approach and a major opening for Britain.

"The UK has wanted pushbacks but couldn't do them because France refused to take back the vessels. If Bardella becomes President in 2027, he is the current favourite."

Last week, a survey from the pollsters at Odoxa showed Mr Bardella beating all other presidential candidates.

Ms Le Pen, who served as the former leader of the right-wing party, has been barred from running as a candidate when the French head to the polls in 2027 after she was convicted of embezzlement in March.

However, the French ex-leader is awaiting a verdict on her appeal of the conviction, with Mr Bardella filling in for her until the judgement.

As it stands, he is predicted to secure between 35 to 37 per cent of the vote, safely in front of the second-place candidate.

"If he becomes President and formally allows it, the UK suddenly has a tool it hasn't been able to use for legal and diplomatic reasons," Mr Seale added.

The National Rally leader also said Mr Farage "will be the next Prime Minister" and labelled Labour's "one-in-one-out" deal a political "smokescreen".

"With crossings rising 16 per cent this year, he's using the numbers to argue the deal isn't working. He's really an anti-immigration contender for Emmanuel Macron," Mr Seale continued.

He added it was a "direct challenge" to Mr Macron, as well as a preview into what is in store once the 2027 campaign rolls around.

However, the two populist leaders face a few more obstacles since pushbacks can be "legally and operationally risky", Mr Seale warned.

Additionally, maritime law requires states to intervene to rescue people in distress.

Charlie went on to ask how the French were receiving the news, especially with increased migration.

"Well, yes, the French people are very angry," Mr Seale said.

"Mostly people living around Calais or Dunkirk. At the moment, the French Government isn't really doing anything on migration.

"They just passed a budget yesterday. And so the Prime Minister, Sebastian Cornu, is in fragile waters and Emmanuel Macron.

"So people are are fed up with Emmanuel Macron these days. So they want to change just like in the UK."

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