Farage celebrates by-election victory, claiming narrow margin of "only a nuisance's breadth"
It's breakfast time, and Nigel Farage's declaration that the Tories are "toast" echoes through the air after Reform UK's narrow victory in the Runcorn and Helsby by-election.
Gladiatorial drama unfolded over the course of an exhausting night at the Widnes Vikings rugby league stadium, culminating with Reform UK's candidate Sarah Pochin being declared the winner by just six votes - a new record for a parliamentary by-election.
Following several checks on the ballot papers and a full recount, Labour initially held a 10-vote lead that was challenged by Reform UK. Subsequent calculations had Reform UK ahead by four votes, triggering a new round of challenges from Labour. The final result was announced by the High Sheriff of Cheshire, Joelle Warren, in the wee hours of the morning.
Reminiscent of the tension experienced during sports matches featuring video assistant referee (VAR) decisions lasting for minutes compared to this election’s torturous hours-long delays, it was at 3am that Reform UK initiated a bundle recount. Another restart of the counting followed just before 4am, as Reform UK instead took an insubstantial lead over Labour.
While polls closed at 10pm, Reform UK sources had already expressed confidence about their narrow margin of victory. One Farage ally admitted: "I think it will be within 1,000 votes, either way, but I reckon we will edge it. To use a Farageism: 'We'll win it by a gnat's knob.'"
The possibility of a Labour victory had been suggested midway through the count, but it soon became apparent that Reform UK had triumphed in the race. The deciding factors included widespread disdain for Labour's decision to axe winter fuel payments, particularly highlighted by Reform UK throughout the campaign. Additionally, the questionable conduct of former Labour MP Mike Amesbury, who assaulted a constituent, likely contributed to voter dissatisfaction and a loss of trust.
In her victory speech, Sarah Pochin poetically expressed the constituents' disillusionment with Tory failures and Labour lies, promising to be a competent performer in the House of Commons. In a post-victory interview with our website, Nigel Farage suggested the political landscape is broken while expressing confidence in future wins for Reform UK in local government elections.
Labour, on the other hand, will be conducting a critical inquiry into their near-miss of the seat, with a significant number of party members condemning Sir Keir Starmer for failing to visit the constituency to campaign for their candidate. In stark contrast, Farage made multiple visits, including a lengthy stint on polling day.
Farage's tenacious campaigning has once again proven successful, with Labor, Liberal Democrat, and Conservative leaders taking note.
Follow our channel for updates
Join our CommunityTo stay informed of the latest developments, don't forget to install our app for free.
- The result of the Runcorn and Helsby by-election, held at the Widnes Vikings rugby league stadium, was a narrow victory for Reform UK's Sarah Pochin, staged after a full recount and several challenges from both parties.
- Reminiscent of controversial sports match decisions, Reform UK initiated a bundle recount at 3am, followed by another restart just before 4am, as they took an insubstantial lead over Labour.
- Nigel Farage, who made multiple visits to the constituency, has once again proven his stamina and policy-and-legislation savvy through a successful campaign, causing concern for the political landscape among Labour, Liberal Democrat, and Conservative leaders.
- In the aftermath of their near-miss of the seat, Labour will be conducting a critical review, with many party members scrutinizing Sir Keir Starmer for failing to campaign in the constituency, while Farage gained support from voters disillusioned with Tory failures and Labour lies.
