Kaleigh Watterson
Reporting from Widnes

Here at tonight's count at the DCBL Stadium, there's a huge amount of media here covering this by-election.

TV cameras, photographers and both local and national journalists are all here, waiting to see what happens once the counting begins.

Halton Council have put some snacks on for us - and provided two rooms for the media to use, showing just how much interest there is in this corner of Cheshire this evening.

If you want to know what a reporter brings to a count, I've got a big bottle of water, a can of cola, a sandwich, some grapes and some sweets to keep me fuelled overnight.

And a fun fact for you: this count isn't actually taking place in the constituency. We're in the neighbouring constituency of Widnes and Halewood.

Image source, PA Media

Kaleigh Watterson
Reporting from Widnes

This by-election follows the resignation of the former MP Mike Amesbury, following an assault conviction.

CCTV footage emerged at the end of last year showing him punching a man to the ground - and continuing to hit him. He was suspended by Labour and then sat as an independent MP.

In February he was given a prison sentence which was suspended on appeal, although he did spend three nights in prison.

He resigned shortly after - although if he hadn’t, his constituents could have asked for his removal through a process called a recall petition.

Reform's newest MP Sarah Pochin promises to give a voice to all of the people of Runcorn and Helsby.

Two boys and a 18-year-old woman were attacked by the dog in a garden in Knowsley.

Liverpool Council has endorsed plans to extend parking charges in the city centre.

Results are due for 23 councils across England, six mayoral contests and a by-election in Runcorn and Helsby.

Paul Burnell
Live reporter

While we wait for the result in Runcorn - not expected until at least 03:00 BST - a quick history lesson.

It's more than 60 years since a Labour government lost a by-election within a year of winning office in a general election.

The party lost Leyton in 1965 when Foreign Secretary Patrick Gordon Walker was parachuted into the "safe seat", following the elevation of sitting MP Reginald Sorensen to the Lords.

The plan backfired when Tory candidate Ronald Buxton won the seat, pipping Gordon Walker by just over 200 votes.

As Prof Jon Tonge from the University of Liverpool points out, the party still won in the 1966 general election - with Gordon Walker winning the seat back.

The poll was prompted after the incumbent MP was sentenced for assaulting a constituent.

RNLI crews spotted the women while responding to a call about stranded walkers.

The charges relate to a group that allegedly made calls reporting bogus life-threatening incidents

Michael Leppert's family say the 63-year-old was a "much-loved son, dad and very devoted grandad".

Despite the guidance, John Davey continued to deliver to many of his isolating customers.

Dan Davies wants to be able to keep Rockpoint Records open until after midnight on some nights.

Police say armed officers responded to reports of a stabbing in the Westvale area of Kirkby.

The foundation will live on by awarding grants from the money that comes from the sale of the building.

Two men from Merseyside and one from Somerset are charged over alleged so-called 'swatting' calls.

Nine out of 10 people who respond to the consultation object to ending free parking after 18:00.

People who run firms in the constituency share their hopes ahead of the 1 May poll.

The by-election on 1 May will also be seen as a measure of the broader political mood that could set the tone in Westminster.

What did we learn from candidates in the Runcorn and Helsby by-election during a live debate?