The Reform UK party, led by Nigel Farage, has posted sweeping gains in local elections across England, marking a dramatic shift in the political landscape.

The populist right-wing party pulled off a stunning victory in the Runcorn and Helsby by-election, winning by a margin of just six votes after a recount. This result overturned a Labor majority of 14,000, signaling a major upset.

The victory came on the heels of a series of strong performances by Reform UK, including the election of their candidate, Dame Andrea Jenkyns, as mayor of Greater Lincolnshire. In the same region, the party appeared poised to secure a majority of seats on the county council.

Reform UK also claimed majorities in Staffordshire and Durham, delivering a significant blow to both the Labour and Conservative parties and further establishing itself as a serious force in British politics.