Reform UK has announced Sarah Pochin as its candidate for the upcoming Runcorn and Helsby by-election, set to take place on 1 May.
Pochin, a former Cheshire East councillor, has a political background spanning both the Conservative Party and the Independent group. She emphasized that Reform UK stands for “family, community, and country” and stated that she has “dedicated her life” to these values.
The by-election was triggered by the resignation of Labour MP Mike Amesbury, following his suspended prison sentence for assault.
Pochin served as a councillor from 2015 to 2023 and was mayor of Cheshire East Council from 2021 to 2022. Initially elected as a Conservative, she was expelled from the party in 2020 after a dispute over her mayoral nomination. She later joined the Independent group but was suspended for rejoining the Conservatives ahead of the party’s leadership election.
Beyond politics, Pochin has worked in the energy, chemicals, and DIY industries and has also served as a Justice of the Peace for two decades.
At the 2024 general election, Reform UK finished second in the constituency with 18.1% of the vote, behind Labour, which won with 52.9%. The Conservatives placed third with 16%.
Labour, the Conservatives, the Green Party, the Liberal Democrats, and the Workers Party have all announced their candidates for the by-election.
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