Labour retains Starmer’s Holborn seat defeating Green leader Zack Polanski

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.