Nigel Farage will announce Reform UK’s candidate for the Runcorn and Helsby by-election at 1pm today, marking the first major electoral challenge for Keir Starmer’s government since last July’s general election. This contest comes after former Labour MP Mike Amesbury resigned following a suspended prison sentence for assaulting a constituent in a street fight.
The new constituency, created for last year’s election, saw Labour win comfortably with 53% of the vote. But Reform UK surprised many by finishing second with 18%, pushing the Conservatives into third place. Now with Amesbury’s departure, Reform sees an opportunity to make political gains.
The by-election date hasn’t been set yet as Amesbury completes the formal resignation process. He had represented the area since 2017 and described his resignation as “devastating” for himself and his staff. The assault occurred last October when Amesbury punched a 45-year-old man during an argument, with CCTV showing multiple blows being struck.
Labour has selected Karen Shore as their candidate to defend the seat, while the Conservatives, Lib Dems and Greens have also announced their contenders. Today’s announcement from Farage will complete the field of candidates for what could become a closely watched test of public opinion on Starmer’s government.
The Runcorn and Helsby constituency covers several towns and rural areas with about 93,000 residents. With Reform UK looking to build on their strong second-place finish last year, this by-election could provide important clues about the political mood in post-election Britain.
