Reform’s Sarah Pochin was declared winner of the seat of Runcorn and Helsby in northwest England by six votes after a recount. Leader of Reform Nigel Farage told journalists that the victory represented a “loss of confidence” in the governing Labour Party.

Voters across England are going to the polls for local elections and the Runcorn and Helsby by-election today in the first major test for Sir Keir Starmer’s government.They will also be an important test for Nigel Farage and Reform UK of whether their high poll ratings since last summer translate into real votes.

Voters in some parts of England are electing councillors and mayors. These are the first local elections since the general election was held in July 2024.