Overview

• Reform UK won the Runcorn and Helsby by-election by six votes, marking its first parliamentary by-election victory and increasing its Commons seats to five.
• Andrea Jenkyns, a former Conservative minister, was elected as Greater Lincolnshire's mayor, giving Reform its first regional mayoral position.
• The party gained approximately 125 council seats, bolstering its presence in English local government and challenging Labour and Conservative dominance.
• Labour leader Keir Starmer acknowledged the 'disappointing' loss in Runcorn, pledging to accelerate efforts to address voter concerns.
• Despite its momentum, Reform faces challenges from Farage's divisive image and coordinated tactical voting efforts by mainstream parties.