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Starmer suffers defeat in first by-election as Reform takes Runcorn and Helsby
Reform UK have won the Runcorn and Helsby by-election by just six votes in a blow to Sir Keir Starmer's premiership.
The narrow victory saw Nigel Farage's party gain a constituency which Labour won with a majority of almost 14,700 at the general election less than 12 months ago. Politics Live: Could Reform finally get a toehold of power? The by-election in Cheshire was called after the previous MP Mike Amesbury resigned following his conviction for punching a constituent.
Reform candidate Sarah Pochin won with 12,645 votes, compared to the 12,639 secured by Labour's Karen Shore, making it the closest by-election result since records began in 1945. Reform is also making gains against both Labour and the Conservatives across England in local council elections, with Mr Farage claiming a "big moment" is happening in British politics.
Speaking from Runcorn after the result was declared, the former UKIP leader told Sky News that Labour's vote collapsed because of a "loss of confidence" and the fact "no one knows what the prime minister really stands for". He said working people are fed up with higher taxes and illegal immigration, adding: "It's a sense of fairness and what's right and what's wrong bordering even on resentment.
"We've picked that up very strongly on the doors for people who voted Labour for all of their lives." Mr Farage also declared the Conservatives as "toast.
Amir Nisi
Creative and experienced content writer with 6+ years of experience lazy to create unique content strategy for News5 to turn website visitors into customers.
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