Reform UK has claimed victory in the Runcorn & Helsby by the narrowest of margins after being forced to wait for a full recount in the Cheshire constituency.

Reform UK's Sarah Pochin saw off the challenge from Labour's Karen Shore by just six votes, marking the closest fought by-election in modern political history.

The by-election, which was called after Mike Amesbury was handed a suspended sentence following a boozy bust-up in Frodsham, will come as a hammer blow to Sir Keir Starmer.

Pochin's victory also ensures Reform UK returns its Commons contingent to five after briefly being reduced to four MPs following the suspension of Rupert Lowe in March

Despite Nigel Farage declaring victory shortly before 4am, the result was only officially declared at 6am this morning.