In a dramatic political upset, Reform UK has captured a key parliamentary seat in northwest England, narrowly defeating the Labour Party by just six votes.
The surprise win came during a special election in Runcorn and Helsby, an area previously considered a stronghold for Labour.
The victory went to Reform candidate Sarah Pochin, who edged out Labour’s Karen Shore with a final tally of 12,645 to 12,639. The result followed a tense recount that delayed the announcement for hours and marked one of the closest finishes in modern British electoral history.
This by-election was triggered by the resignation of Labour MP Mike Amesbury, who left office after being convicted of assaulting a constituent. The seat had long been held by Labour, making its loss a major blow for the party and a clear warning sign ahead of broader elections.
Reform UK, led by long-time populist figure Nigel Farage, has been gaining momentum with its tough stance on immigration and sharp criticism of the political mainstream. Farage’s ties to U.S. President Donald Trump and his high-profile campaigning have helped energize a voter base disillusioned with traditional parties.
The Runcorn result comes alongside a wider set of local elections across England, with over 1,600 council seats in play. Early forecasts suggest Reform could secure around 300 of them, a performance that would mark a major step forward for the party.
As the full local results are still being counted, the early win in Runcorn may serve as a springboard for Reform’s ambitions to reshape British politics. It also adds pressure on Labour leaders as they assess the growing challenge from both right-wing and fringe parties in the lead-up to the next general election.