UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Labour’s Karen Shore says losing Runcorn and Helsby to Reform UK is a ‘wake-up call’, urging the party to counter Nigel Farage’s fear-driven politics.
As reported by the Standard, Karen Shore described the by-election defeat as a ‘wake-up call’ for Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer. She warned Labour members face the ‘fight of our lives’ against Mr Farage’s party.
Ms Shore lost the Runcorn and Helsby by-election, falling to Sarah Pochin by six votes.
What did Karen Shore say about Labour’s fight against Reform UK?
During an interview when questioned if Keir Starmer was doing right by critising the Reform leader at the party’s annual conference, Karen Shore responded,
“I tried to steer away from those sorts of conversations during the by-election because I wanted it to be about what was on offer from Labour and not necessarily being on Reform’s own terms.”
She said,
“But now I think the tactic has to be different, because they’re fearmongering and because they’re seeking to divide.”
Ms Shore stated,
“And it’s going to be the fight of our lives. So, we have to get out there and make sure people really understand what a Labour government will do for them, and we are the party of working people.”
She described losing the seat as “very disappointing.”
Ms Shore stated,
“Actually, it was also a wake-up call, I think, to some of us within the Labour Party that difficult decisions have been taken, but also to acknowledge that mistakes have been made, and to try to address people’s concerns.”
She cited mistakes like
“the way in which the winter fuel allowance was announced, the welfare reform – there wasn’t enough information there for people to understand the reality of what it would mean on the ground.”
Ms Shore added,
“I think that the fearmongering won over. You know, you have to take people with you when you take a difficult decision, and you have to make sure that those decisions are taken within our values, Labour values.”
The Labour member described the election as “unpredictable,” facing unpopular policies and the aftermath of 14 years of austerity.
She said,
“So you can’t just pin it on the Prime Minister – I think that would be very unfair.”
Ms Shore wants to “go back and finish the job better next time,” pending Labour’s candidate selection process.
What did Keir Starmer say about Nigel Farage and Britain’s future?
Keir Starmer warned the country that it faces a choice between “renewal or decline.”
He said,
“A country – proud of its values, in control of its future, or one that succumbs, against the grain of our history, to the politics of grievance – it is a test, a fight for the soul of our country, every bit as big as rebuilding Britain after the war, and we must all rise to this challenge.”
The Labour leader said Mr Farage “crosses a moral line,” asking when he last said anything positive about Britain’s future.
He added,
“He can’t. He doesn’t like Britain, doesn’t believe in Britain, wants you to doubt it as much as he does.”
Responding to Mr Starmer’s criticism, Nigel Farage replied,
“This language will incite and encourage the radical left. I’m thinking of Antifa and other organisations like that.”
The Reform leader added,
“It directly threatens the safety of our elected officials and our campaigners, and, frankly, in the wake of the Charlie Kirk murder, I think this is an absolute disgrace.”
YouGov’s survey about Reform UK and Labour’s Seats
A YouGov MRP shows Reform UK could win 311 seats, just 15 short of a parliamentary majority, putting them close to forming a government. Labour is projected to secure only 144 seats, losing heavily to Reform UK and other parties.
The Conservatives could win between 45 and 68 seats, while the Liberal Democrats may take 65–86 seats. Other parties’ projections include the SNP at 37 seats, Greens 7, and Plaid Cymru 6.
Survation Poll about Keir Starmer’s leadership
A Survation poll for LabourList in September 2025 found that 53% of members want a new leader, while only 31% support Keir Starmer remaining in post.
The poll also showed that 65% believe Mr Starmer is taking the party in the wrong direction, highlighting growing concern over leadership and party strategy.