3A5W7F3 Reform UK leader Nigel Farage stands with Sarah Pochin after announcing her as Reform UK's candidate for the Runcorn and Helsby by-election, at the Rochdale Shopping City in Runcorn, Cheshire. The by-election has been triggered by the resignation of former Labour MP Mike Amesbury. Picture date: Monday March 24, 2025.
The upcoming Runcorn and Helsby by-election has been marked by the strong stance of Reform UK’s candidate, Sarah Pochin, on the death penalty and criminal justice reform. As a former magistrate, Pochin brings a wealth of experience in the legal system to her political campaign, firmly opposing the death penalty and advocating for the rehabilitation of offenders as a key aspect of her platform.
Rejecting the Death Penalty
In an interview, Pochin expressed her clear opposition to the death penalty, labeling it fundamentally wrong due to the inherent risk of error in sentencing. This position contrasts sharply with recent public opinion trends, which have shown increased support for the death penalty, particularly among Reform UK voters. Despite these statistics, Pochin stands by her conviction that the justice system should focus on rehabilitative approaches rather than punitive measures.
Championing Rehabilitation
Pochin is a staunch supporter of giving offenders a second chance after they have served their sentences. Drawing on her two decades of experience in the courtroom, she emphasizes the importance of reintegrating former offenders into society, allowing them to contribute positively. She aligns with the rehabilitation-focused policies championed by Lord Timpson, a friend and advocate for employment opportunities for ex-prisoners, who criticizes the UK’s heavy reliance on incarceration over reform.
- Pochin champions reforms to ensure that offenders complete their full sentences as mandated by judges, rather than being released early due to overcrowding.
- She criticizes the lack of substantial reforms by previous governments, highlighting chronic issues like inadequate post-release support that contribute to recidivism.
A Vision for Change
Pochin’s vision for reforming the criminal justice system is rooted in her personal experiences and observations. She has seen firsthand how offenders often return to society unprepared, without jobs or housing, and believes this cycle of re-incarceration is preventable with the right interventions. A focus on rehabilitation, she argues, not only benefits the individual but also strengthens community safety and cohesion.
Addressing Social Challenges
In addition to criminal justice reform, Pochin addresses broader social issues she perceives within the Runcorn and Helsby constituency. She speaks passionately about the lack of investment in local infrastructure, calling attention to the absence of amenities like swimming pools and cinemas, and the decline of town centers. Pochin underscores the need for strong, vocal representation to advocate for community development and improvement.
Her commitment extends beyond policy; it is personal, informed by her experiences as a mother and community member. Pochin’s observations on the influence of negative role models highlight her focus on fostering supportive environments for youth, drawing from her own stable family life as an example of the positive impact of strong parental figures.
Should she secure a seat in Parliament, Pochin not only aims to be the first female MP for Reform UK but to set a precedent for inclusive and effective representation that mirrors the diverse society she aspires to serve.
