Sagal Abdi-Wali, the leader of Camden Council and former child refugee from Somalia, has responded firmly to criticism of her selection as the Labour candidate for the Holborn and St Pancras parliamentary seat. The district, currently represented by Keir Starmer, is set to hold a by-election on October 8 following his departure.
Abdi-Wali, 42, spoke out against comments made by Reform UK’s home affairs spokesman, Zia Yusuf, who questioned her suitability for the role based on her place of birth. Yusuf’s remarks, which highlighted her Somali origins, were condemned by Labour as overtly racist. In a message posted online, Yusuf stated: “The frontrunner being foisted on the people of Holborn by Labour to replace the former prime minister Keir Starmer in our parliament was born in Somalia. Do you understand what’s happening?”
Addressing these criticisms in her first national interview, Abdi-Wali said the negative rhetoric has increased her determination to represent the community and to counter divisive attitudes toward immigration and diversity. She emphasized her commitment to being a voice for young people who might otherwise be discouraged from political engagement due to hostile language.
“Camden is a borough of sanctuary because of the work that we did in a Labour council, and it’s something that so many people across this constituency support,” she said, highlighting the borough’s proactive stance on immigration and inclusion. She also cited extensive support from constituents as bolstering her resolve to win the seat and challenge the discriminatory tone of her opponents.
The contest also features Zack Polanski, leader of the Green Party, as a key competitor. Abdi-Wali appealed to Green supporters, arguing that Labour remains the most effective vehicle for social change in the United Kingdom. She pointed to past Labour governments and local councils as instrumental in improving lives across the constituency.
Abdi-Wali also praised incoming Prime Minister Andy Burnham, specifically his commitment to eradicating rough sleeping and homelessness. “He’s brought a real message of hope and the actions and values that really sit well with the people in this constituency,” she said. Addressing housing and homelessness, issues that have intensified locally over the past decade, she described them as personal passions of hers that align with the priorities set by Burnham.
As Labour campaigns to maintain a strong presence in Holborn and St Pancras, Abdi-Wali’s candidacy marks a significant moment for representation, diversity, and the ongoing political debates around immigration in the UK.