Chronological coverage updated 11th September 2026 16:23.
Update 1 · 11th September 2026
Green Leader Zack Polanski Nominated for Holborn and St Pancras By-Election
Green Party leader Zack Polanski has been confirmed as his party's candidate for the upcoming Holborn and St Pancras by-election. Polanski was selected by local party members to contest the north London constituency following the decision of former Prime Minister Keir Starmer to step down as a Member of Parliament.
The by-election, scheduled for Thursday, October 8, represents one of the first major electoral tests for the Labour Government under Prime Minister Andy Burnham. Labour announced Camden Council leader Sagal Abdi-Wali as its official candidate to defend the constituency.
Keir Starmer retained the Holborn and St Pancras constituency at the 2024 general election with 48.9 per cent of the vote, holding a majority of 11,572..
Campaign Dynamics
Holborn and St Pancras has elected Labour representatives consistently since its creation in 1983. At the 2024 general election, the Green Party finished in third place behind an independent candidate, securing 10.4 per cent of the vote. However, Green representatives highlight recent local council gains in Camden as evidence of growing momentum in inner-city electorates.
Gbnews reportedly quoted Zack Polanski (Green Party leader and candidate for Holborn and St Pancras) as saying: “The Greens might be the underdog in this election, but we have the momentum, and we can win.”.
Labour organizers intend to campaign on local community ties, pointing to Abdi-Wali's decade-long record in Camden municipal governance. Opposition parties view the contest as a key opportunity to challenge the government on public spending policies ahead of the upcoming national Budget.
- Green Party leader Zack Polanski enters the race to succeed former PM Keir Starmer in Holborn and St Pancras.
- Camden Council leader Sagal Abdi-Wali was chosen to defend the historically safe Labour seat.
- The by-election takes place on October 8 as a test of momentum in urban constituencies.
