Overview

• Reform UK secured its first parliamentary by-election win in Runcorn and Helsby, with Sarah Pochin becoming the party's fifth MP by a margin of just six votes.
• The party achieved a historic local election result, winning 31% of the vote and 677 council seats, surpassing both Labour and the Conservatives.
• Labour is grappling with internal backlash as 45 MPs demand a reversal of unpopular cuts to winter fuel payments and disability benefits, which have been linked to voter discontent.
• Recent YouGov polling places Reform UK at 29%, ahead of Labour at 22% and the Conservatives at 17%, marking a seismic shift in British political dynamics.
• Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has vowed to adopt tougher immigration policies following significant losses in local elections, as Reform UK continues to reshape the political landscape.