Reform UK Surges in By-Elections and Local Votes

Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, won the Runcorn and Helsby by-election by six votes, overturning a former Labour majority of nearly 15,000 and marking one of the closest parliamentary results in UK history. Reform also claimed its first regional mayoralty in Greater Lincolnshire and took control of local councils such as Durham and Staffordshire, expanding its influence across England. These gains bring Reform's total to five MPs and hundreds of new council seats, reflecting a collapse in support for both Labour and the Conservatives. Labour, under Prime Minister Keir Starmer, is facing internal criticism and voter backlash over policies like welfare cuts and tax increases, while the Conservatives continue to struggle after previous election losses. Farage asserts that Reform is replacing the Conservatives as the main opposition party, challenging the traditional two-party system. Observers note Reform's populist appeal but caution that the party must now prove its ability to govern effectively.