Reform’s Sarah Pochin was declared winner of the seat of Runcorn and Helsby in northwest England by six votes after a recount. Leader of Reform Nigel Farage told journalists that the victory represented a “loss of confidence” in the governing Labour Party.

The Liberal Democrats have become the largest party on Gloucestershire County Council, with the Conservative Party suffering significant losses. The Lib Dems took a total of 27 seats - one short of the 28 needed to gain overall control of the council - meaning they will have to negotiate with other parties to form a coalition.

The hard-right party Reform UK led by Nigel Farage won a seat in Parliament by a handful of votes and looked set to make more gains in results Friday from local elections the party hopes will show it is a major player in British politics.