Nigel Farage's Reform UK has secured victory by six votes over Labour in Runcorn and Helsby as a former Tory minister became the party's first elected mayor.The result came as Reform made gains against both Labour and the Conservatives across England in local contests, with Mr Farage claiming a "big moment" was taking place in UK politics.

Nigel Farage's Reform UK has secured victory by six votes over Labour in Runcorn and Helsby as a former Tory minister became the party's first elected mayor.The result came as Reform made gains against both Labour and the Conservatives across England in local contests, with Mr Farage claiming a "big moment" was taking place in UK politics.