Reform UK's fifth MP Sarah Pochin has hailed her boss Nigel Farage as "inspiring" after the populist party registered a record-breaking victory in Runcorn.
Pochin, who was accompanied by Farage at the Runcorn & Helsby by-election count in nearby Widnes, paid tribute to Reform UK's top brass just minutes after edging out Labour's Karen Shore by just six votes.
She said: “I’ve had a team of very talented, dedicated and professional individuals behind me every step of the way and I would like to thank them all from the bottom of my heart.
“Firstly to our great leader Nigel Farage, who has so inspired me to stand up for this country.
Reform UK's new MP hails 'inspiring' Nigel Farage after record-breaking by-election victory
PA
"To our party chairman Zia Yusuf who has given me invaluable support and counsel throughout this campaign.
"And to the exceptional team led by John Burns my campaign manager.
“The people of Runcorn & Helsby have spoken. Enough is enough. Enough Tory failure, enough Labour lies.
"And I want to thank every one of you who were brave enough to put a cross against my name on the ballot paper.
LATEST ON REFORM'S LOCAL ELECTION TRIBULATIONS:
Sarah Pochin became the first female Reform UK MP after winning Runcorn & Helsby by six votesPA“Every one of you who voted for change, every one of you who have put their faith in me as your Member of Parliament for this constituency, which has such potential, and who have put your faith in Nigel Farage as the next Prime Minister of this great country.
"It will be an honour and privilege to serve this community, a community of hard-working people who just want fairness.
“Going forward I will do my very best for all of you in Runcorn and Helsby and Frodsham, I think it should have been included in the name, regardless of how you voted, and I will be accessible to you all.
"I am in politics to serve, I am in politics because I care and I am in politics to be a voice for those who need representation. I will serve you, I will care for you and I will speak for you.
Nigel Farage and Sarah Pochin spoke to the media after Reform UK's victory PA"I know our victory here in Runcorn and Helsby will inspire the rest of the country to believe that they too can stand up for fairness, for what is right and for our British values, and their voices can be heard.
“We have made history tonight here in Runcorn & Helsby. Now, together, let’s build a better future. Thank you.”
The Runcorn result marked a historic moment in British political history, with Reform UK's 17 per cent swing snatching Labour's 49th safest seat.
Despite going into polling day chasing down a 14, 696 Labour majority, Pochin's six vote lead over Shore also ensured the by-election bout was the tightest fought since the Second World War.
Keir Starmer says Runcorn by-election results are 'disappointing' but were 'very close'GB NEWS
Hailing the result, Farage said: “What it sends is a message not just from here but across the country that we are now the opposition to the Labour Party, who are in Government, and actually in most parts of the country now, if you vote Conservative, you get Labour.”
Starmer was also forced to concede that Labour's loss was a "disappointing" defeat.
Speaking in Bedfordshire, the Prime Minister said: "What I want to say is, my response is we get it.."
After hinting at the progress made to cutting NHS waiting lists, Starmer added: "I am determined that we will go further and faster on the change that people want to see."
