Four words that will haunt Rachel Reeves and Keir Starmer after by-election humiliation

Labour’s recent by-election loss in Runcorn and Helsby has caused a big stir in British politics. The party, led by Keir Starmer and supported by Rachel Reeves, lost the seat to Reform UK by just six votes.

This defeat is a big deal because Labour had a huge 15,000 vote lead there from the general election only a year ago. Losing that kind of stronghold so quickly has left many in the party shocked and concerned about what went wrong.

One issue that clearly hurt Labour in this election was their decision to cut the Winter Fuel Payment for many pensioners. This payment helps older people cover their heating costs during the colder months, which is especially important for those on fixed or low incomes.

When Labour announced plans to remove or reduce this benefit, it caused a lot of anger and worry, especially among elderly voters. During the campaign, Labour canvassers said that nearly every door they knocked on, people brought up the Winter Fuel Payment and also concerns about changes to disability support, known as PIP (Personal Independence Payment).

This loss is even more painful for Labour because of how close the result was. A difference of just six votes means that even a tiny shift in support could have saved the seat. Now, many believe that the decision to cut the Winter Fuel Payment played a major role in pushing voters toward Reform UK, the party led by Nigel Farage. Reform UK’s candidate, Sarah Pochin, won the seat, and her victory shows that many voters are open to new options when they feel the main parties aren’t listening to them.

Adding to Labour’s problems was the controversy around their former MP Mike Amesbury, who had a past criminal record for assault. His background didn’t sit well with some voters and may have further damaged Labour’s reputation in the area.

Some within Labour are calling on Keir Starmer to reverse the Winter Fuel Payment decision, saying it’s the only way to stop further damage. But that may not happen anytime soon. The UK economy is struggling, and the Chancellor is looking for ways to save money. Right now, Labour appears unwilling to admit the policy was a mistake, even as it causes political damage.

For Reform UK, this victory is a huge moment. It suggests that their recent rise in the polls might be real, not just a temporary spike. For the Conservative Party, led by Kemi Badenoch, this result is also worrying.

If Reform UK continues to attract frustrated voters, especially those angry about cuts or feeling ignored, it could hurt both Labour and the Conservatives in future elections.

The by-election loss is more than just one seat—it’s a warning sign. Unless Labour changes its approach, especially on issues that affect vulnerable people like pensioners and the disabled, this could be the beginning of more problems ahead. Many voters are clearly ready to shift their support if they don’t feel heard or respected.