UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Nigel Farage’s Reform UK won Runcorn and Helsby by six votes, marking a historic shift after 52 years and raising fears for Sir Keir Starmer before elections.
As reported by The Guardian, Reform UK snatched victory in Runcorn and Helsby, shaking Keir Starmer‘s hold on power in a dramatic electoral upset.
Labour’s 14,700-vote majority was wiped out by Reform UK, posing an early electoral challenge to the current administration.
Reform UK wins a Labour stronghold after 52 years
On an election night when Reform UK was poised to win numerous council seats across England, the result turned out to be one of the toughest margins in recent political history.
Sarah Pochin, a former Tory councillor and magistrate, has become the first non-Labour MP to represent Runcorn in 52 years.
The slim margin of victory, which led to a dramatic recount at DCBL Stadium, does little to ease Labour MPs’ fears of a major loss of seats to the far-right party in the upcoming general election.
Labour’s Mike Amesbury resigned after being convicted of punching a constituent earlier this year, triggering the Cheshire byelection.
Mr Farage’s party focused on immigration in this largely white region of north-west England, fueling concerns about small boat crossings, houses of multiple occupancy, and Turkish barbers.
The result supports recent surveys indicating that anti-EU populists could disrupt Britain’s traditional two-party system in the upcoming general election.
Farage’s influence felt in Reform UK’s narrow Runcorn win
With votes counted late into the night at DCBL stadium, tension ran high between Labour and Reform UK officials, just across the River Mersey from Runcorn.
Both parties’ campaigners insisted the outcome was “too close to call,” dismissing any claims of a decisive win.
The content saw a turnout of 46.33%, exceeding expectations. Some attributed it to the “Farage factor,” highlighting his ability to divide opinions sharply.
At the count centre, Reform UK officials sparked curiosity by stating that Mr Farage was set to arrive 30 minutes before the expected result, signalling their belief in a win.
As camera crews and officials gathered, some holding the door open for their leader, there was no sign of Farage. Reporters were informed later that he was waiting in a car nearby, possibly after learning it was too early to declare a victory.
What did Ellie Reeves say ahead of the byelection results?
Ellie Reeves, Labour Party chair, pointed out that the elections across England were “always going to be a challenge,” with Reform UK poised to make gains in regions traditionally held by the Conservatives.
She stated there were “promising signs” that the government’s plans were effective, but she admitted that
“people aren’t yet fully feeling the benefit and we are just as impatient for change as the rest of the country.”
Ms Reeves added,
“However the results turn out this evening, this Labour government will go further and faster in turning our country around and giving Britain the future it deserves.”
What did the Labour Spokesperson say about the byelection result?
A Labour spokesperson stated by-elections are
“always difficult for the party in government and the events which led to this one being called made it even harder.”
They added,
“While Labour has suffered an extremely narrow defeat, the shock is that the Conservative vote has collapsed. Moderate voters are appalled by the talk of a Tory-Reform pact.”
What did Nigel Farage say about Reform UK’s byelection win and the shift in politics?
Nigel Farage said,
“Winning is obviously fantastic, but just think about the swing, think about the change – this is heartland Labour Party. Their vote has collapsed, and much of it has come to us.”
He stated,
“And that does away with the media narrative that it’s somehow just us versus the Conservatives. It’s not – this is a whole different politics.”
Commenting on the results, Mr Farage remarked on “close calls in mayoral races,” pointing out that they occurred in “historically Labour areas.”
Andrea Jenkyns wins Greater Lincolnshire mayoral race
Former Tory MP Andrea Jenkyns, now with Reform UK, won Greater Lincolnshire’s mayoralty with 42% of the vote, beating Conservative Rob Waltham, who took 26.1%.
In her victory speech at the count, the newly elected Reform UK mayor for Greater Lincolnshire criticized her opponents, describing the campaign as one of the dirtiest she had ever faced.
Ms Jenkyn said,
“I’ve fought many elections – four general elections, my third local election – but I’ve never experienced such negativity and soul-destroying campaigns against me like this one. The dirty tricks in US politics, I believe, are now being imported here into Britain.”
She stated,
“Today, we as Reform, as we are making gains up and down the country, you will see an end to soft-touch Britain. The fight back to save the heart and soul of our great country has now begun. Now that Reform is in a place of power, we can help start rebuilding Britain. Inch by inch, Reform will reset Britain to its glorious past.”
The Reform MP added,
“I take my hat off to our great leader, Nigel. He has fought for decades, and he still fights for you here today, and I know one day he will make a magnificent prime minister.”