Full recount in Runcorn and Helsby A full recount is now under way for the Runcorn and Helsby by-election, we have just heard. Zia Yusuf, the Reform UK chairman, has told Sky News that the vote could be as close as just four ballots. If this is the case, Runcorn and Helsby would the closest by-election in history. As of now, the closest was held in Berwick-upon-Tweed in 1973, when the Liberal Democrats won with a majority of 57. In 1967, the Walthamstow West by-election had a majority of 62. 'I don't think a by-election has ever been that close!' Our chief political correspondent Jon Craig is at the count in Runcorn and Helsby… and says he has never been at a closer by-election. There are just four votes in it, candidates have been told. Jon says: "I don't think a by-election has ever been that close. "I mean, by my reckoning, you've had, results of majorities of 50, 60 or so in very close by-elections. "Four votes - I mean, that's the difference of one household, isn't it, voting."