Farage heckled on by-election campaign trail

NIGEL Farage was heckled as he launched Reform UK’s campaign for the Runcorn and Helsby by-election.

- DAN HAYGARTH

Party leader Mr Farage visited the constituency on Monday (March 24) as Reform announced Sarah Pochin as its candidate for what is expected to be a close race between the insurgent right-wing party and Labour.

The by-election, due to take place on May 1, has been triggered by the resignation of Mike Amesbury, who resigned earlier this month after receiving a 10-week jail sentence, later suspended on appeal, for assaulting a constituent last year.

The by-election is the first major electoral test for Sir Keir Starmer’s Labour Party since its return to government last July and it comes as Reform boasts a strong position in the polls.

Mr Farage and Ms Pochin spoke at Reform's by-election base at Runcorn Shopping City to launch their party's campaign, with party supporters in attendance. Later in the afternoon, the two paid a visit to Frodsham to speak to voters.

They walked up Main Street in Frodsham, where Amesbury punched constituent Paul Fellows during the incident last year, and made a number of stops at local business. Mr Farage was largely well received by people and business owners, many who stopped to speak to him and take selfies.

However, outside The Queen's Arms pub, a man shouted at Mr Farage. He said: “Fascist, that’s all you are. Tommy Robinson supporter. Fascist” The man was wearing a T-shirt which read ‘Anti-fascists: Keep the Faith’

Mr Farage ignored the man and started speaking to a supporter. Reform UK declined to comment on the incident when approached by the ECHO.

The ECHO spoke to Mr Farage and Ms Pochin at Runcorn Shopping City as they launched their campaign. According to Reform, Ms Pochin has lived in Cheshire for nearly 30 years, served as a magistrate, and had a “successful career in private business” working for Shell International and later in the DIY sector.