Local election results LIVE: Reform on edge of victory as Runcorn 'too close to call'

could be on the brink of inflicting defeat on in the first by-election test for Sir Keir Starmer.

A full recount is taking place in the Runcorn and Helsby by-election contest, with just four votes between Reform in first place and

Mr Farage said: "Reform UK have won the Runcorn and Helsby by-election by four votes!

"Labour have demanded a recount. We are very confident we have won."

It is a dramatic development in a seat which Labour held with a majority of 14,696 in the 2024 general election and came as Reform made gains in local contest across England.

believe they have made "big gains" in the Conservative heartlands of 'Middle England'.

Labour, meanwhile, has admitted it was "always going to be a challenge", after numerous scandals and controversies during their first year of Government.

The Conservatives, who are braced for a disastrous set of results, insisted they are trying to forge a new path under Kemi Badenoch, but said Sir Keir Starmer could be under huge pressure if Labour does not make significant gains.

It comes as a total of 1,641 council seats are up for grabs across 23 town halls in today's local elections, while four regional mayors and two local mayors will be elected.

William Kedjanyi, Political Betting Analyst at Star Sports, said: "All eyes are on Reform UK to see how many of today's six mayoral elections they can win. Four existing mayoralties and two new ones are up for grabs, and we think Nigel Farage's party will claim three - priced at 4/5.

"Olympic champion boxer Luke Campbell is expected to deal his rivals a knockout blow in Hull & East Yorkshire (1/5), while Andrea Jenkyns already looks to have one foot in the door in Greater Lincolnshire at immensely short odds of 1/20. Labour candidate Ros Jones (2/1) could challenge Reform's Alexander Jones (1/2) in Doncaster, however."

FOLLOW BELOW FOR LIVE UPDATES: