MP fails to have challenge to poll win thrown out

REFORM MP Sarah Pochin has been unsuccessful in her Court of Appeal attempt to have a challenge to her by-election victory result dismissed.

- BY CALLUM PARKER

Sarah Pochin celebrating her by-election victory with UK Reform leader Nigel Farage and (inset) candidate Graham Moore

Ms Pochin secured the Runcorn and Helsby by-election by six votes after a recount on May 1 but Graham Moore, one of the defeated candidates, has subsequently launched a legal challenge against the outcome.

Mr Moore, who represented the English Constitution Party in the by-election and came last among 15 candidates with 50 votes, submitted a parliamentary election petition to the High Court on May 15, seeking to have the election declared null and void and requesting an independent recount.

Ms Pochin and returning officer Stephen Young requested the High Court to reject the petition but two judges determined last month that a “trial of the petition” should proceed before an “election court comprising two judges”.