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In the Holborn by-election, the Green Party conceded defeat to Labour's candidate, with a spokesperson acknowledging they came "close second." The official turnout was 38.76%—a significant drop from the previous general election’s 54.46%. This loss follows controversy after the party declared Zionism as racism at its conference, leading some activists to question support for the Greens.
Written locally by qwen2.5:14b on 2026-10-09,
using this article's own text rather than the other coverage of the
same event (that is the story summary below).
Story summary
In the Holborn and St Pancras by-election on Thursday, Sagal Abdi-Wali of Labour faces Zack Polanski, leader of the Green Party, in a closely watched contest to replace former Prime Minister Keir Starmer as MP. The election has gained national significance due to recent events: the Green Party’s annual conference passed a controversial motion declaring Zionism to be racism and calling for a single Palestinian state, causing divisions within the party and criticism from political opponents. Abdi-Wali cites this controversy as undermining her opponent's campaign, while Polanski maintains that he will not exclude anyone based on their religious or communal background. The contest is seen as a critical test for both parties' leaderships; Labour has historically dominated the seat since 1983, with Green Party membership surging and gaining over 440 councillors in recent local elections. Prime Minister Andy Burnham urged voters to support Abdi-Wali, emphasizing her potential to restore faith in Labour after its decline among left-wing voters during the Gaza war. Meanwhile, Polanski seeks a historic victory for his party by breaking Labour's long-standing hold on the constituency. The outcome could significantly impact the political landscape ahead of future elections.
Written for “Holborn And St Pancras By Election” on 2026-10-09,
grounded in this article and the 23 other(s) covering the same event.
Why this leaning score
The model judged this article politically coded and scored it -0.35, but all 1 of its quote(s) are attributed speech - words the article quotes from someone, not the article's own narration, so the score is not published.
Written under an earlier scoring contract, which gave a paragraph
rather than checkable quotes. Re-analysing this article replaces it.
Leaning score withheld for article 67426: attributed speech only · logged 2026-10-09
A Green Party spokesperson said: “It is clear now we will come a close second in this by-election.
asserted
we → say → election
“Taking the fight to Labour in one of its safest seats shows just how far the Greens have come.
asserted
Greens → take → seats
“Voters want us to keep Labour’s feet to the fire on affordable housing, public ownership of water and the climate crisis.
asserted
us → want → water
“Greens will be there every single day, holding Labour to account and demanding the change people voted for.”
asserted
people → hold → change
The official declaration is yet to come, but turnout was announced as 38.76%, with 27,309 people casting votes on Thursday.
asserted
people → come → Thursday
This is a significant drop in turnout compared to the 2024 general election, when it was 54.46%.
asserted
it → compare → election
Labour and Lib Dem activists and councillors had earlier indicated that a loss of support for the Greens was evident during campaigning in recent days after members backing a motion declaring Zionism is racism at its conference.
asserted
Zionism → indicate → conference
A former Green leader suggested Mr Polanski could face a threat to his leadership if he lost.
uncertain
he → suggest → leadership
Caroline Lucas, the three-time former Green Party leader who was its first MP, said people should “see what happens in the coming days and weeks” when asked about his future on BBC Newsnight.
asserted
what → say → Newsnight
A Green Party source responded to her remarks, saying: “There are ups and downs in politics and when people are passionate they disagree in the heat of a campaign.”
asserted
they → respond → campaign
The north London seat has been a Labour stronghold since its formation in 1983, held by former health secretary Frank Dobson for 32 years and Sir Keir for 11.
asserted
seat → hold → 11
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