Labour Faces Tough Battle in Runcorn and Helsby By-Election as Reform UK Gains Momentum

The by-election, triggered by MP Mike Amesbury's resignation after a conviction for assault, could see Labour lose a traditionally safe seat to Nigel Farage's Reform UK.

Labour's Karen Shore, a local councillor and teacher, is running to retain the seat, with Reform UK emerging as the main challenger.
A new poll commissioned by Lord Ashcroft suggests Reform UK could win with a 20% swing, fueled by disaffected Conservative voters and low Labour turnout expectations.
The by-election follows the resignation of Mike Amesbury, who was convicted of assault and briefly jailed, creating a challenging backdrop for Labour.
Pension cuts and dissatisfaction with Labour's national leadership under Keir Starmer are key issues driving voter discontent in the constituency.
The Conservatives are predicted to perform poorly, with potential implications for party leader Kemi Badenoch amid further fragmentation of right-wing support.