It was breakfast time when Nigel Farage told Sky News the Tories were “toast” after Reform UK’s victory in the Runcorn and Helsby by-election.
After a long night of drama, tension, twists and turns at the Widnes Vikings rugby league stadium, Reform UK’s candidate Sarah Pochin was declared the winner by just six votes.
Yes, six votes! A new record for a parliamentary by-election.
And that was after several checks on the ballot papers and one full recount. At first, Labour were judged to be 10 votes ahead. That was, not surprisingly, challenged by Reform UK.
Reform beats Labour by six votes; follow Politics latest
Next, it was Reform UK who were just four votes ahead. This time Labour issued a challenge and it was shortly before 6am when the result was finally declared by the High Sheriff of Cheshire, Joelle Warren, resplendent in her ceremonial costume.
Follow the mayoral election results as they come in
By the time she pronounced Ms Pochin the winner, Mr Farage had already staged at least two impromptu news conferences in front of the platform, delaying the declaration even more.
Sarah Pochin and Nigel Farage speak to the media ahead of the result. Pic: PA
In fact, as so often at by-election counts, the delays before the declaration were as annoying as VAR in football. But unlike in football, they lasted for hours, not minutes.
It was at 3am that Reform UK challenged the result. That triggered a bundle recount.
Then, shortly before 4am, after Reform UK and not Labour had edged in front, acting returning officer Stephen Young ordered a total restart of the counting.
