Reform UK’s newest MP Sarah Pochin has told GB News why she thinks her party were able to compete with Labour in the Runcorn and Helsby constituency.
On a historic night for the populist party, Labour’s hefty majority was overturned and Nigel Farage’s party claimed the seat by just six votes.
Speaking on GB News, Pochin was asked why locals are turning to Reform in an area that has traditionally been a Labour stronghold.
“Immigration is massive here”, she explained.
Reform's newest MP says her constituency has become a 'dumping ground' for migrants
GB NEWS
“Runcorn feels like a dumping ground for illegal immigrants. We’ve had the Derby Hotel. We’ve got houses and multiple occupancy, it’s a big issue.
“People feel unsafe on the streets in certain parts of the constituency because of that.
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Sarah Pochin won the seat in dramatic fashion GB NEWS“That’s definitely something and as you know, it’s very much part of our agenda to tackle that problem.
“There’s also a general feeling of the cost of living going up. There’s no public facilities in this constituency. Some of my priorities will be to look at that. There’s no leisure centre here for people. There’s no cinema so families are having to go over the bridge.
“There’s a lot of work to do here and it’s long overdue that someone stood up for the people here of Runcorn and Helsby.”
The result came as a major blow to Sir Keir Starmer's government, marking his first by-election defeat since becoming Prime Minister.
The result gives Reform UK its fifth MP in Parliament, further strengthening the party's position in British politics.
The by-election was called to replace Labour's Mike Amesbury following his conviction for assault.
Labour fielded local councillor and former teacher Karen Shore as their candidate, hoping to retain the seat.
Instead, voters delivered a stunning rebuke to the governing party in what will be seen as a significant test of public opinion.
The extremely close result - just six votes separating the candidates - highlights the increasingly competitive nature of UK politics under Starmer's premiership.
Following his party's victory, Nigel Farage made a bold declaration about Reform UK's new position in British politics.
"We now are the opposition party in the UK to Labour, and the Tories are a waste of space," Farage told Sky News after the result was announced.
