Sarah Joanne Pochin is a British businesswoman, magistrate, and politician who made history on May 1, 2025, by becoming the first female Member of Parliament (MP) for Reform UK. She secured the Runcorn and Helsby seat in a by-election, winning by a mere six votes the narrowest margin in modern British by-election history, [Latest news & breaking headlines
Early Life and Education
Born in June 1969, Pochin was educated at Haberdashers’ Monmouth School for Girls and later earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Banking and Finance from Loughborough University . She has resided in Cheshire for over 30 years. Professionally, she has experience in both the private and public sectors, having worked for Shell International and in the DIY industry. Additionally, she served as a magistrate for two decades, Latest news & breaking headlines
Political Career
Pochin’s political journey began with the Conservative Party. She was elected to the Cheshire East Council in 2015, representing the Willaston and Rope ward, and later the Bunbury ward from 2019 to 2023. In 2017, she stood as the Conservative candidate for Bolton South East in the general election but was unsuccessful, [The Independent
In 2020, Pochin was expelled from the Conservative group on the Cheshire East Council after accepting the role of Mayor with support from Labour and Independent councillors, contrary to the Conservative Party’s preference. She then served as an Independent councillor. In 2022, she briefly rejoined the Conservative Party to participate in the leadership election following Boris Johnson’s resignation, leading to her suspension from the Independent group .The Independent, [Left Foot Forward
Her alignment with Reform UK was driven by her strong pro-Brexit stance and dissatisfaction with the Conservative Party’s handling of Brexit. She described Reform UK as a “natural place to be” and expressed admiration for Nigel Farage, whom she met a decade earlier .Sky News][6], [Latest news & breaking headlines
Parliamentary Role and Views
As an MP, Pochin has focused on both national and local issues. Nationally, she has been vocal about immigration, advocating for stricter controls and expressing concerns about asylum seekers crossing the English Channel. Locally, she has campaigned for improved family facilities and opposed tolls on nearby bridges .Latest news & breaking headlines, [The Independent
During her campaign, it was revealed that in 2018, she was reprimanded for using her status as a magistrate to influence colleagues in a political context and for breaching confidentiality by publicizing a complaint against her. Reform UK characterized this as a politically motivated attack .Latest news & breaking headlines, northwestbylines.co.uk
Personal Life
Pochin is a mother of two adult children. She emphasizes the importance of family and national pride, often highlighting her father’s military service. In interviews, she has mentioned her daily routine includes an hour of pilates to unwind .The Independent
For more detailed information about her parliamentary activities, you can visit her official UK Parliament profile MPs and Lords – UK Parliament.MPs and Lords – UK Parliament 🇬🇧
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