Reform UK Wins Runcorn By-Election, Cutting Labour Majority to Six Votes

Reform UK achieved a historic breakthrough by narrowly winning the Runcorn and Helsby by-election, overturning a nearly 15,000 Labour majority with a victory margin of just six votes—a record for the smallest by-election majority in over a century. This win, triggered by the resignation of a Labour MP convicted of assault, signals Reform's growing ability to convert national polling into tangible electoral success, especially in traditionally safe Labour seats. The result has intensified concerns within the Labour Party about losing ground to Reform, with calls for a policy reset on issues like immigration and welfare. Labour officials attributed the defeat partly to the circumstances of the by-election but acknowledged the broader warning it represents. Meanwhile, Reform's success was mirrored in strong performances in other local contests, while the Conservative vote notably collapsed. The outcome underscores a significant shift in the political landscape, with Reform positioning itself as a credible challenger to both major parties.