The political landscape in Runcorn and Helsby is experiencing a significant shift as candidates prepare for the upcoming by-election following the resignation of former Labour MP Mike Amesbury. Danny Clarke, a former chairman of the Conservative Party, is stepping up as a candidate for the Liberal Party, while Labour's Karen Shore faces accusations of hypocrisy regarding her stance on asylum seekers.
Clarke, who has been a resident of Runcorn for over two decades, embarked on his political journey with the Conservative Party before making the switch to the Liberal Party last year. The Liberal Party, which was founded in 1989 by members who opposed a merger with the Social Democratic Party, seeks to present itself as a viable option for voters feeling disenfranchised by the traditional parties. Clarke commented, “Constituents deserve better than what we have had previously. With the Liberal Party, we are a party that is solidly of the centre ground. We will represent everyone regardless of who they vote for.”
One of the core policies of the Liberal Party, as outlined by Clarke, includes the proposal to scrap council tax and replace it with a land value tax, along with supporting ISA allowances. The by-election is currently projected to take place on May 1, 2025, though an official date has yet to be announced.
However, Clarke is not the only candidate making headlines. Labour’s Karen Shore, who aims to take the seat vacated by Amesbury after he received a 10-week suspended sentence for assault, is under fire for her contradictory positions regarding asylum seekers. Shore recently launched an online petition advocating for the closure of a local asylum hotel, asserting this to be one of her primary objectives if elected.
In the past, Shore has been vocal about her support for asylum seekers, stating in 2021 that local authorities were “warmly welcoming” to them and boasting about providing suitable accommodations and support. Critics have taken note of this inconsistency; a spokesman for Reform UK highlighted, “Karen Shore proudly declared that she was ‘warmly welcoming’ asylum seekers yet now she is trying to deceive the voters of Runcorn and Helsby.” This statement reflects a growing frustration among opponents as they point out Shore's reversed stance.
Polling indicates that Shore will face tough competition in the by-election. A recent poll conducted by Lord Ashcroft Polls revealed that Reform UK is poised to win over 42% of the vote, dramatically increasing from 18% since the last elections. Meanwhile, Labour is projected to receive 33%, indicating a significant decline in their voter support.
The political atmosphere has grown tense as the number of asylum seekers in hotels has increased sharply, from approximately 29,585 in June to about 38,000 by December. These figures underscore the mounting pressure on local councils and the frustration among residents regarding asylum policies.
Shore's recent Facebook post regarding the petition to close the asylum hotel exemplifies the challenges facing Labour in Runcorn. “We have inherited a broken system from the Conservatives, that only works for the people-smuggling gangs making huge profit out of small boat crossings,” she stated. In response to her critics, Shore affirmed her commitment to fixing the system and ensuring fairness for genuine refugees.
Labour's internal factionalism has also come into play, as some members are concerned that Shore's position could provoke further hostility toward asylum seekers. Diane Abbott, Labour MP for Hackney North, cautioned that such rhetoric could lead to dangerous consequences for refugees. The looming shadow of past far-right riots, notably the protests against the asylum hotel in Rotherham, adds weight to these concerns.
While Clarke’s campaign revolves around appealing to a broad demographic, including former supporters of Labour and the Conservatives who feel let down, Shore's ability to maintain party unity will be tested as differing opinions on asylum policies emerge. Shore’s challenge will not just be against her opponents in the by-election but also against an electorate that is increasingly divided on immigration issues.
As the May by-election approaches, both candidates are gearing up for what promises to be a fierce contest amidst shifting voter sentiment. Clarke's focus on the Liberal Party's inclusive policies and Shore’s navigation of her party’s complex stance on asylum seekers will be critical to their respective campaigns.
The clash of policies and priorities is expected to dominate discussions leading up to the vote, as both candidates strive to secure the trust of an electorate eager for change amid an evolving political climate. With the stage set for what could be a pivotal by-election, voters in Runcorn and Helsby may soon have the chance to dramatically reshape their local representation.
