Zack Polanski, leader of the Green Party in England and Wales, will contest the upcoming by-election for the Holborn and St Pancras parliamentary seat on October 8, aiming to succeed Sir Keir Starmer following his recent resignation. The north London constituency has historically been a Labour stronghold, held by the party since its creation in 1983, with Starmer securing nearly half the vote in the 2024 general election.
Polanski’s candidacy poses a significant challenge to Labour, which has been attempting to consolidate support under Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s leadership. The Greens have seen rising local momentum, having made gains in the area during the May local elections and previously securing just over 29 percent of the vote in the 2024 general election with the independent candidate Andrew Feinstein. Voters in the seat face a choice between Labour’s renewed platform and the Greens’ appeal on progressive issues, including climate change and social justice.
Holborn and St Pancras encompasses diverse communities in Camden, Bloomsbury, and King’s Cross, an area known for its combination of socioeconomic backgrounds and political engagement. Residents interviewed expressed mixed feelings. Some, like Amy, a longtime Labour supporter who voted for Feinstein as a protest in 2024, cited dissatisfaction with Labour’s stance on Israel’s conflict with Hamas and the perceived safety of the seat as reasons for their voting decisions. Others remain undecided, torn between progressive policy priorities including affordable housing, cost of living, and climate concerns.
Polanski has faced scrutiny in recent months over social media missteps, allegations regarding the accuracy of his career claims, and controversy surrounding antisemitism within his party. His approval ratings among party leaders remain relatively low, yet analysts caution that by-elections often produce unpredictable results, especially midterm for governing parties.
Labour’s candidate, Sagal Abdi-Wali, brings strong local ties to the contest. Having grown up in Camden after fleeing Somalia as a child refugee, she currently leads Camden Council. Labour supporters view her connection to the area and Burnham’s leadership as key assets, positioning the party to maintain its hold on the constituency despite the Greens’ energized campaign.
Opinions among voters reflect the evolving political landscape in Holborn and St Pancras. While some remain committed to Labour, others express skepticism toward both major contenders or lean toward the Greens as a vehicle for increasing pressure on the government. Community members describe the upcoming by-election as a rare and influential opportunity to reshape local representation, underscoring the significance of the race as Burnham seeks to demonstrate his government’s renewed momentum amid public doubts.