Reform UK Wins Narrow By-Election, Secures Fifth MP

Nigel Farage's Reform UK party achieved a significant breakthrough by narrowly winning the Runcorn and Helsby parliamentary by-election by just six votes, marking one of the closest election results in British history and boosting Reform's representation in Parliament to five MPs. This victory, alongside their win in the Greater Lincolnshire mayoral race, signals growing momentum for Reform as it challenges the traditional dominance of Labour and Conservative parties in English politics. The by-election loss is a setback for Labour, which has seen its support decline amid tax increases and controversies, despite recently winning other key mayoral races. Reform's success in local and mayoral elections, including gains in council seats, underlines a broader shift in the UK's political landscape and highlights the party's ambition to become the main right-wing alternative ahead of the next national election. Farage described these results as historic, emphasizing the collapse of Labour's vote in traditional heartlands and the party's rising appeal to disaffected voters. National polls now suggest Reform's support rivals that of the established parties, raising the stakes for future elections.