In a dramatic political upset, Sarah Pochin has become the new Reform MP for Runcorn and Helsby, marking a significant shift in a constituency that was once considered a Labour stronghold. Pochin narrowly defeated Labour candidate Karen Shore by just six votes, making it one of the closest results in UK election history. This victory comes in the wake of the resignation of former Labour MP Mike Amesbury, who stepped down after being convicted for assaulting a constituent.
The by-election, held on April 6, 2025, saw a turnout of 46%, a notable decline from the 59% participation seen during the general election in July 2024, where Labour had secured a commanding 51.2% of the vote. In stark contrast, Reform UK managed to capture 38.7% of the votes this time, a substantial increase of 20.6 percentage points from their previous standing.
Pochin's victory has been described as a "seismic win" for the Reform party, which has now returned to having five Members of Parliament in the House of Commons. This is particularly significant as Pochin is not only Reform's first female MP but also the first to represent a seat in the north of England. Her ascension to this role has been seen as a pivotal moment for the party, which was originally formed as the Brexit Party before rebranding in 2021.
In her victory speech, Pochin expressed her commitment to serving the community, stating, "It would be an honour and a privilege to serve this community, a community of hard-working people who just want fairness." She vowed to be accessible to all constituents, regardless of how they voted, which is a sentiment that resonates well in a divided political landscape.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage hailed the result as a sign that the party is "not a protest party" but a legitimate political force. He emphasized the importance of having candidates like Pochin, who possess real-life experience in business and politics. Farage remarked, "Thirty years ago, Parliament was full of people like [Sarah Pochin] that had successful careers, as she's had in business, in politics, in judiciary and now there are very few of them. We're putting candidates up, getting people elected with real life experience and that's what voters want."
The circumstances surrounding this by-election were particularly tumultuous, stemming from Amesbury's resignation after he was caught on CCTV footage punching a constituent during a drunken altercation. This incident not only led to his conviction but also created a challenging environment for Labour, which has been under pressure to address public dissatisfaction with the government.
A Labour spokesperson acknowledged the difficulties of holding onto a seat under such circumstances, stating, "By-elections are always difficult for the party in government and the circumstances which led to this by-election had made it even harder." They also noted that the party's recent policies have not resonated well with voters, leading to a collapse in Conservative support in the region.
The results of the by-election reflected a significant shift in voter sentiment. Labour's vote share dropped by 14.2 percentage points, while Reform UK's surge indicates a growing appetite for alternatives to the traditional parties. The Conservatives, who finished a distant third with just 7.2% of the vote, have been criticized for their handling of various issues, including economic policies that have been described as detrimental to families and vulnerable groups.
In terms of Pochin's background, she has had a varied political career. Initially elected as a Conservative councillor for Cheshire East in 2015, she was expelled from the party in 2020 after accepting a role as the ceremonial mayor under a Labour-Independent administration. This history has been a focal point for her opponents, who have attempted to paint her as a flip-flopping politician. However, Pochin has responded to these criticisms by emphasizing her commitment to the constituents of Runcorn and Helsby.
Alongside her political career, Pochin has spent 20 years as a Justice of the Peace and has worked in various sectors, including energy, chemicals, and DIY. She is married to Jonathan Pochin, a construction manager whose family business, Pochin Construction Ltd, collapsed in 2019. This experience has informed her understanding of the challenges faced by local businesses and families.
During her campaign, Pochin highlighted key issues such as immigration and the need for community support. She has openly criticized figures like Andrew Tate, emphasizing the importance of promoting positive values for youth. Her focus on family, community, and country resonates with the party's platform and has helped her connect with voters.
As Runcorn and Helsby moves forward under Pochin's leadership, the political landscape in the UK continues to evolve. The implications of this by-election extend beyond the immediate results, signaling a potential shift in voter alignment and priorities as the country heads towards future elections. With the Reform party gaining momentum, it remains to be seen how this will impact the strategies of Labour and the Conservatives in the coming months.
In conclusion, Sarah Pochin's narrow victory in the Runcorn and Helsby by-election is a landmark moment for Reform UK, showcasing the party's growing influence and the shifting dynamics of British politics. As she steps into her new role, Pochin faces the challenge of delivering on her promises to her constituents while navigating the complexities of a rapidly changing political environment.
