Reform’s Sarah Pochin was declared winner of the seat of Runcorn and Helsby in northwest England by six votes after a recount. Leader of Reform Nigel Farage told journalists that the victory represented a “loss of confidence” in the governing Labour Party.

More than 1,600 seats are being contested in 23 councils, there are also six mayoral positions up for grabs and a by-election in Runcorn and Helsby.

Voters across England are going to the polls for local elections and the Runcorn and Helsby by-election today in the first major test for Sir Keir Starmer’s government. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.