Voices: John Rentoul answers your questions on Reform’s rise – and how Labour and the Tories can respond to Farage

Your local election questions answered by John Rentoul - (Jacob King/PA)

Nigel Farage’s Reform Party has emerged as a significant force in recent elections, following a by-election victory in Runcorn, where Reform’s Sarah Pochin secured a narrow win over Labour.

This victory, coupled with a series of gains in local councils and mayoral races, has prompted Farage to declare it a “phenomenal night” for his party, positioning Reform as the new challenger to the Conservatives.