- Keir Starmer quits as MP, triggering a byelection in Holborn and St Pancras.
- Local Green party members supported Zack Polanski to become the party's candidate in the Holborn and St Pancras byelection.
- Green party sources indicated local members are supportive of Polanski running, with no clear local activist expected to oppose him.
- A Green party source said there would be excitement about Polanski standing, noting the seat has always had high-profile figures and his profile would play well with local members.
- The move carries risk because the former prime minister’s seat is traditionally considered safe for Labour, with a Labour source citing the “Burnham bounce” as a factor.
- Labour MP Tulip Siddiq expressed confidence in retaining the seat, citing resilient vote and Andy Burnham’s pledges being well received in Camden.
- The frontrunner for Labour is thought to be Sagal Abdi-Wali, a child refugee from Somalia, with other possible candidates including Adam Hug, Nash Ali, and Rishi Madlani.
Green party members have rallied behind Zack Polanski as their candidate for the Holborn and St Pancras byelection, a seat left vacant by Keir Starmer's resignation.12
Polanski expressed enthusiasm, stating the byelection would serve as a “referendum on ending rip-off Britain.” He emphasized the importance of this election for both himself and the Green party, saying, “I am very excited for the next chapter for myself, for the Greens and for people across the country.”
Local party members are reportedly supportive of Polanski, with no clear opposition expected. A Green party source noted, “There would be a lot of excitement about him standing.” The seat, however, poses challenges as it has historically been a stronghold for Labour.
Labour's Tulip Siddiq, the MP for Hampstead and Highgate, expressed confidence in retaining the seat, stating, “I know Camden through and through and I do believe that we can win this.” She highlighted the positive reception of Labour's pledges in the area.78
The frontrunner for Labour is thought to be Sagal Abdi-Wali, a former child refugee from Somalia, who is noted for her compelling personal story and strong local ties. Other potential Labour candidates include Adam Hug, Nash Ali, and Rishi Madlani.91011
As the byelection approaches, the dynamics between the Green party and Labour will be closely watched, with Polanski's candidacy marking a significant moment for the Greens in a traditionally Labour-dominated area.
“The Holborn and St Pancras seat is traditionally safe for Labour, but a Labour source cites the 'Burnham bounce' as a factor. Tulip Siddiq expressed confidence, while Sagal Abdi-Wali is the frontrunner for Labour.”
The Guardian
