‘I like Nigel Farage’: Runcorn and Helsby byelection could be big test for Starmer

Labour won the seat last year with more than 50% of votes - now polls suggest it will just hang on or lose to Reform UK

On a weekday morning, an advertising van is weaving its way through the narrow streets of Runcorn town centre. On the side is a black and white picture of Nigel Farage with a quote from the Reform UK leader: We are going to have to move to an insurance-based system of healthcare."

The starting gun has been fired in the byelection that has been on the horizon since the sitting MP Mike Amesbury announced his intention to resign, and which could prove a huge test for Keir Starmer's government.