|
Nigel Farage’s Reform UK has secured victory by six votes over Labour in Runcorn & Helsby as Keir Starmer failed his first by-election test as UK prime minister. The narrow victory for new MP Sarah Pochin saw Reform taking a constituency which Labour won with a majority of almost 14,700 less than 12 months ago. The result came as Reform made gains against both Labour and the Conservatives across England in local contests, with Farage claiming a ‘big moment’ was taking place in politics. The by-election was triggered when former Labour MP Mike Amesbury quit after admitting punching a constituent. Amesbury won 53% of the vote at the general election and the defeat, along with Reform gains in other Labour heartlands, will cause unease in Downing Street. Farage said: ‘For the movement, for the party, it’s a very, very big moment indeed, absolutely, no question, and it’s happening right across England.’ By David Hughes and Eleanor Barlow Press Association: News source: PA Copyright 2025 Alliance News Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
|
