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Reform UK Secures Narrow By-Election Win, Reshaping UK Political Landscape

Nigel Farage's party claims a six-vote victory in Runcorn and Helsby, gaining momentum with local election advances as voter disillusionment with major parties deepens.

Nigel Farage réagit au résultat de la législative partielle de Runcorn et Helsby, au Royaume-Uni, remportée par son parti Reform UK, le 2 mai 2025.
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Nigel Farage (G), leader du parti Reform UK, et Sarah Pochin, le 2 mai 2025 à Widnes
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Overview

  • Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, won the Runcorn and Helsby by-election by a record-low margin of six votes, unseating Labour in a former stronghold.
  • This marks the first electoral test since Labour's July 2024 general election win, highlighting dissatisfaction with the party’s governance under Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
  • The by-election was triggered by the resignation of Labour MP Mike Amesbury, following his conviction for assault and a suspended prison sentence.
  • Reform UK now holds five seats in the 650-member House of Commons and has made additional gains in concurrent local elections, including dozens of council seats and a mayoralty.
  • The results underscore the growing fragmentation of UK politics, with Nigel Farage declaring Reform UK the new opposition to Labour and traditional parties facing waning public trust.