Reform UK win Runcorn and Helsby by-election by just six votes
A dramatic recount saw Sarah Pochin become the constituencies new MP
Last updated 2nd May 2025
Nigel Farage's Reform UK has secured victory by six votes over Labour in Runcorn and Helsby as Sir Keir Starmer failed his first by-election test as Prime Minister.
The narrow victory for new MP Sarah Pochin saw Reform taking a constituency which Labour won with a majority of almost 14,700 less than 12 months ago.
The result came as Reform made gains against both Labour and the Conservatives across England in local contests, with Mr Farage claiming a "big moment" was taking place in politics.
The by-election was triggered when former Labour MP Mike Amesbury quit after admitting punching a constituent.
Amesbury won 53% of the vote at the general election - and the defeat, along with Reform gains in other Labour heartlands, will cause unease in Downing Street.
Mr Farage said: "For the movement, for the party, it's a very, very big moment indeed, absolutely, no question, and it's happening right across England."
The victory for Reform has set a new record for the smallest majority at a parliamentary by-election since the end of the Second World War.
In her speech after she was elected as Runcorn and Helsby MP, Reform UK candidate Sarah Pochin thanked her team.
She said: "Firstly, to our great leader Nigel Farage, who has so inspired me to stand up for this country."
She added: "The people of Runcorn and Helsby have spoken - enough is enough.
"Enough Tory failure, enough Labour lies.
"I want to thank every one of you who were brave enough to put a cross against my name on the ballot paper, every one of you who voted for change, every one of you who have put their faith in me as your next Member of Parliament for this constituency, which has such potential, and who have put their faith in Nigel Farage as the next Prime Minister of this great country."
The result is a blow to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who has now lost his first by-election test since entering Number 10.
"Rightly furious"
A Labour Party Spokesperson, commenting on the Runcorn and Helsby by-election result, 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.
"Voters are still rightly furious with the state of the country after 14 years of failure and clearly expect the Government to move faster with the Plan for Change.
“While Labour has suffered an extremely narrow defeat, the shock is that the Conservative vote has collapsed. Moderate voters are clearly appalled by the talk of a Tory-Reform pact.
“There are encouraging signs that our Plan for Change is working – NHS waiting lists, inflation and interest rates down with wages up – but we will go further and faster to deliver change with relentless focus on putting money back into people’s pockets.”
Full results:
- Sarah Pochin (Reform) 12,645
- Karen Shore (Lab) 12,639
- Sean Houlston (C) 2,341
- Chris Copeman (Green) 2,314
- Paul Duffy (LD) 942
- Dan Clarke (Lib) 454
- Michael Williams (Ind) 363
- Alan McKie (Ind) 269
- Peter Ford (WPB) 164
- John Stevens (Rejoin) 129
- Howling Laud Hope (Loony) 128
- Catherine Blaiklock (Eng Dem) 95
- Paul Murphy (Soc Dem) 68
- Jason Hughes (Volt) 54
- Graham Moore (ECP) 50
The Tories said the change Sir Keir Starmer has delivered has been "roundly rejected" and Labour MPs will "rightfully question his leadership" after Reform UK won the by-election.
A Conservative Party spokesman said: "This result is a damning verdict on Keir Starmer's leadership which has led to Labour losing a safe seat.
"Just 10 months ago Labour won an enormous majority, including in this seat with 52% of the vote, but their policies have been a punch in the face for the people of Runcorn.
"Snatching Winter Fuel Payments from vulnerable pensioners, pushing farmers to the brink with their vindictive Family Farms Tax and hammering families with a £3,500 jobs tax, families are being punished for their disastrous decisions in government.
"Now we know why Keir Starmer never bothered to visit the area.
"Keir Starmer promised change, but the change he's delivered has been roundly rejected. Keir Starmer's MPs will rightfully question his leadership and whether he is now on course to be a one-term Prime Minister."