Journalist Becky Morton covers the recent events surrounding the Runcorn by-election in a gripping report that highlights the narrow victory of Reform UK over Labour by just six votes after a recount. Sarah Pochin, the Reform candidate, secured 38.7% of the vote, with the Conservative party coming in a distant third and the Green Party trailing in fourth place.
In a surprising turn of events, Reform not only claimed victory in the Runcorn by-election but also secured its first mayoral contest win with former Tory MP Dame Andrea Jenkyns clinching 42% of the vote in Greater Lincolnshire, far surpassing the Conservative candidate’s 26% share. This triumph marked a significant milestone for the Reform party’s political journey.
The Labour party managed to grasp victory in a trio of mayoral contests despite facing stiff competition from the Reform party in North Tyneside, Doncaster, and the West of England. However, Labour experienced a decrease in its share of the vote across all three races, emphasizing the growing influence of Reform in the political landscape.
As the Council elections unfold, Reform UK emerges as a significant player, making substantial gains in council seats across England and securing a vote share of approximately 38%. The Conservative party witnessed losses of more than 60 seats in the preliminary results, while the Labour party, although defending fewer seats, also saw a decrease of 13 seats. Northumberland County Council, the first to declare, remains in No Overall Control with Conservatives leading in seats, closely followed by Reform in second place. Additionally, Lincolnshire County Council appears poised for Reform UK to claim victory after securing 30 out of the initial 36 declared seats
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