2 hrs ago
British Indian Candidate Enters Race for Starmer’s Former Seat
Keir Starmer has resigned as the member of Parliament for Holborn and St Pancras.
This means the constituency will hold a special election called a by-election.
Rishi Madlani is trying to become the Labour candidate in that election.
He has lived there for 25 years and previously served as a local councillor.
Madlani says he wants to improve affordable housing, climate action and the economy.
Indian community groups within Labour are supporting his candidacy.
Other politicians, including Green Party leader Zack Polanski, are also interested in the seat.
The campaign has become controversial after Reform UK was accused of making racist comments about another Labour candidate, Sagal Abdi-Wali.
Rishi Madlani is the only British Indian candidate currently seeking Labour’s nomination for Holborn and St Pancras.
Madlani, a former Labour councillor, has lived in the constituency for 25 years.
He is campaigning on affordable housing, climate action, economic opportunity and public services.
Labour Indians and Labour Friends of India support Madlani and highlighted the constituency’s Indian political history.
A candidate shortlist is expected this week, with the by-election anticipated in October.
- Who
- Rishi Madlani is seeking Labour’s nomination; other named figures include Zack Polanski and Sagal Abdi-Wali.
- What
- A by-election is being prepared to replace Keir Starmer as the MP for Holborn and St Pancras.
- Where
- Holborn and St Pancras, a London constituency.
- When
- Starmer resigned earlier this month; a candidate shortlist is expected this week and the by-election is expected in October.
- Why
- Madlani says he wants to promote affordable and social housing, climate action, economic opportunity and public services.
Madlani’s Campaign
Other Contenders and Critics
Constituency priorities
Madlani’s Campaign
Rishi Madlani says the constituency needs more genuinely affordable and social housing, stronger climate action, and an economy that works for working people.
Other Contenders and Critics
The article identifies other contenders, including Green Party leader Zack Polanski, but does not specify their policy platforms.
Campaign controversy
Madlani’s Campaign
Madlani’s supporters emphasize his local experience, community activism, economic expertise and British Indian connection.
Other Contenders and Critics
The contest has become contentious after Reform UK was accused of racism over comments about Labour candidate Sagal Abdi-Wali, a former Somali child refugee.
Key facts
- Candidate
- Rishi Madlani, a 44-year-old sustainable finance professional and former Labour councillor.
- Constituency
- Holborn and St Pancras in London.
- Local connection
- Madlani has lived in the area for 25 years.
- Former MP
- Keir Starmer represented the constituency from 2015 until his resignation earlier this month.
- Election timing
- The by-election is expected in October.
- Support
- Madlani has received backing from Labour Indians and Labour Friends of India.
- Historical link
- V.K. Krishna Menon was previously a Labour councillor in St Pancras before becoming independent India’s first High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.
Quotes
Labour Indians
Labour diaspora organisation supporting Madlani’s candidacy
“I want to fight for more genuinely affordable and social housing, stronger action on climate change, an economy that works for working people, and a constituency where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”
NDTV
“Holborn and St Pancras has been my home for 25 years, where my politics were shaped, where my activism began and where my commitment to public service was forged”
NDTV
Sources
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