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.

Voters are heading to the polls to cast their votes for the local and mayoral elections in the West of England. The ballots will decide who becomes the new mayor of the West of England Combined Authority (Weca) and who will lead Gloucestershire County Council and Wiltshire Council.

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.