On current polling, that would lead to Reform being the largest party in Parliament and therefore given first dibs at forming a government. Could the disparate progressives get their act together to form a coalition? At least the result would be more predictable, so they could pre-plan.
Reform having a minority government or shaky coalition would not give Farage the power to put his Gestapo on the streets like Trump. An overall majority under FPTP would give him dictatorial powers.
In a coalition with Badenoch tories? They'll let him do whatever he wants. I'm going to blaspheme now, I project that Badenoch may be replaced by a one nation tory and then I would put up with a Labcon coalition to stop Farage.
Currently Tory and Reform jointly poll about 45% . They wouldn't have a majority under PR. They would need the support of other MP's to pass legislation. Jenrick looks like Badenoch's successor. Are there any one nation Tories left?
I think they'd also struggle to get a majority under FPTP/tactical voting. Either way we end up with Refcon the largest party facing a fractured, and fractious opposition.
In Germany, the turn out was 80% and the AFD was rejected by 85% of those. That is a great advert for PR but won't happen here. Yes, I think if people believe they will have some representation and that every vote counts they would vote in greater numbers. Alternative would be the French two rounds.
Cleverley?
Secretly they most probably are. Openly, not.
Wishful thinking, I'm afraid.