Archive · 8 Sep 2026
Rishi Madlani Enters Race for Starmer’s Former London Seat
Keir Starmer resigned as the MP for Holborn and St Pancras.
This means the area will have a special election called a by-election.
Rishi Madlani wants to become the Labour candidate for that election.
He has lived there for 25 years and was previously a local councillor.
Madlani works in sustainable finance and has experience with climate issues.
He says he wants more affordable housing and stronger action on climate change.
He also wants an economy that helps working people and gives everyone opportunities.
Supporters connect his campaign with V.K. Krishna Menon, an Indian diplomat who was once a Labour councillor in St Pancras.
The contest also includes other political figures and has become tense over accusations of racism involving Reform UK.
Rishi Madlani is the only British Indian candidate seeking Labour’s nomination for Holborn and St Pancras.
The 44-year-old sustainable finance professional and former Labour councillor has lived in the constituency for 25 years.
Madlani is campaigning for affordable and social housing, climate action, a fairer economy and opportunity for residents.
Labour Indians and Labour Friends of India support his candidacy and link it to V.K. Krishna Menon’s political legacy.
A candidate shortlist and final list are expected this week before a by-election expected in October.
- Who
- Rishi Madlani is seeking Labour’s nomination; other named figures include Keir Starmer, Andy Burnham, 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.
- When
- Starmer resigned earlier this month; a shortlist and final candidate list are expected this week, with the by-election expected in October.
- Where
- Holborn and St Pancras, a London constituency.
- Why
- Starmer resigned to focus on “international affairs,” while Madlani says he wants to serve the constituency through housing, climate and economic policies.
Madlani and Supporters
Other Parties and Critics
Campaign priorities
Madlani and Supporters
Madlani is emphasizing affordable and social housing, climate action, a fairer economy and opportunities for residents.
Other Parties and Critics
Other candidates are also seeking the seat, but the articles do not detail their policy platforms.
Political significance
Madlani and Supporters
Supporters describe Madlani’s candidacy as part of the continuing British Indian contribution to the Labour movement and public life.
Other Parties and Critics
The contest is also being presented as Andy Burnham’s first major electoral test as prime minister and a possible opportunity for the Green Party to win a Commons seat.
Campaign controversy
Madlani and Supporters
Madlani’s supporters highlight his local government experience, community activism, economic expertise and climate leadership.
Other Parties and Critics
Reform UK has faced accusations of racism over comments about Labour candidate Sagal Abdi-Wali, a former Somali child refugee.
- Candidate
- Rishi Madlani, a 44-year-old sustainable finance professional, climate action expert and former Labour councillor.
- Constituency
- Holborn and St Pancras in London.
- Local connection
- Madlani has lived in the constituency for 25 years, since his student days.
- Former MP
- Keir Starmer represented the constituency from 2015 before resigning 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 connection
- V.K. Krishna Menon was a Labour councillor in St Pancras before becoming independent India’s first High Commissioner to the United Kingdom in 1947.
