Overview

• Reform UK won the Runcorn and Helsby parliamentary seat by just six votes, marking a significant blow to Labour in its first major electoral test since July 2024.
• The party also claimed the Greater Lincolnshire mayoralty, its first directly elected mayoral role, signaling growing influence in local governance.
• Labour and Conservatives both suffered losses, reflecting widespread voter dissatisfaction with the traditional two-party system.
• Prime Minister Keir Starmer has proposed a Borders Security Bill, including measures to revoke refugee status for sexual offenders, as part of efforts to counter Reform UK’s momentum.
• Speculation about a potential Conservative-Reform UK alliance has surfaced, with party leaders denying formal negotiations despite internal divisions on the right.