Labour Selects Shore for Expected Runcorn By-Election Following Amesbury Resignation

Labour is poised to lose the Runcorn and Helsby by-election to Reform UK following the resignation of MP Mike Amesbury, who received a suspended prison sentence for assaulting a constituent. A recent poll indicates that Reform UK is projected to secure 42% of the vote, up from 18%, while Labour is expected to drop to 33%, down from a 35-point lead in the last general election. Labour has selected Karen Shore, a former teacher and councillor, to contest the seat, emphasizing her local experience and commitment to community issues. Amesbury, who has been sitting as an independent since his suspension from Labour, plans to resign as soon as possible, triggering the by-election. The date for the vote has yet to be announced. Shore's campaign will focus on delivering local changes and addressing community needs, while Reform UK faces internal strife but remains confident about its electoral chances.