Candidates contesting the Holborn & St Pancras by-election took part in a Jewish community hustings event on Thursday, spotlighting divisions within local politics over Israel and antisemitism. The by-election follows the unexpected resignation of former Labour MP Keir Starmer’s predecessor, prompting a competitive contest in what has traditionally been a Labour stronghold.
The hustings, hosted by the London Jewish Forum and the Board of Deputies, featured five of the 15 candidates standing in the race, including representatives from Labour, Conservative, Liberal Democrat, Reform, and the Green Party. Notably absent was George Galloway, running from Russia, who did not attend.
The event quickly turned contentious when candidates were asked whether Israel has a right to exist. All responded affirmatively except Zack Polanski, the Green Party candidate, who declined to answer directly, describing any attempt to discuss Israel’s future as “imperialist.” Polanski introduced himself as a gay Jewish man but expressed strong anti-Zionist views, asserting that Zionism involves the “displacement and genocide of the Palestinian people.” He also refrained from commenting on a Green Party motion debating the assertion "Zionism is racism," citing concerns over aggressive supporters of the motion.
Polanski’s stance sparked visible discomfort among the audience. When questioned about the extensive security measures at the event—which were in place due to concerns about antisemitic threats—he characterized Jewish feelings of unsafety as a “perception” rather than a reality, a comment that drew criticism. At one point during the discussion, Polanski deflected and appeared unsettled by a question unrelated to Israel, which focused on a personal and irreverent query about breast enlargement, originally raised by a local resident as a humorous challenge to his credibility.
Other candidates maintained a consistent position supporting Israel’s legitimacy and condemning antisemitism. The hustings emphasized ongoing tensions within British politics regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict and revealed fault lines within parties, particularly the Greens, where some activists remain divided over Zionism and its definitions.
Holborn & St Pancras, known for its diverse, vibrant Jewish community and a wide spectrum of religious practices, has long been an electoral bastion for Labour. However, the presence of candidates with sharply contrasting views on Israel highlights the complexity and volatility in local political debates, especially within communities deeply engaged with these issues.
The by-election campaign continues with the candidates seeking to address an electorate focused on local services, community cohesion, and broader social concerns alongside the increasingly prominent foreign policy questions now filtering into local discourse.