REFORM UK won the Runcorn and Helsby by-election by just SIX votes, beating Labour after a nail-biting recount.
In Sir Keir Starmer’s first major electoral test as prime minister, former Conservative cllr, Sarah Pochin overturned a huge 14,696 majority to take the from Labour for Reform.
The by-election followed the resignation of former Labour MP Mike Amesbury, after he pleaded guilty to assaulting a constituent after a night out drinking in Frodsham.
After the victory Nigel Farage said: “Victory in Runcorn & Helsby proves we are now the opposition party to this Labour government.
“With this and other results tonight, it’s clear that if you vote Conservative you will get Labour.
“But if you vote Reform, you get Reform.”
The final result beats the previous post-war record for the closest by-election, which was won by 57 votes in Berwick-upon-Tweed in 1973.
A Labour spokesperson said: “By-elections are always difficult for the party in government and the events which led to this one being called made it even harder.”
Congratulations to the newly elected Reform UK MP @SarahForRuncorn! pic.twitter.com/s1jF9wt97H
— Reform UK (@reformparty_uk) May 2, 2025