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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Politics
Josh Halliday North of England editor

Labour fights to hold on to Runcorn in byelection despite Reform surge

Karen Shore, the Labour candidate, walking down a street in Runcorn town centre
Karen Shore campaigning in Runcorn town centre. Polls have suggested Nigel Farage’s Reform UK is on track to overturn Labour’s 14,700 majority. Photograph: Christopher Thomond/The Guardian

Labour’s candidate in Thursday’s Runcorn and Helsby byelection has insisted the contest is “definitely still in play” as Reform UK became odds-on favourite to win.

Two polls have suggested Nigel Farage’s party is on track to overturn Labour’s 14,700 majority in the first electoral test of Keir Starmer’s premiership.

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