Politics · United Kingdom · 2 days ago
Labour holds Starmer’s former London seat, defeating Green leader Zack Polanski
Labour candidate Sagal Abdi-Wali has won the parliamentary by-election in Holborn and St Pancras, central London.
She received 12,292 votes, ahead of Green Party leader Zack Polanski, who got 8,928.
The seat became vacant after Keir Starmer resigned as its MP when Andy Burnham replaced him as prime minister.
Labour has held the constituency since it was created in 1983, but the Greens had hoped to win it as they gained support among left-wing voters.
Abdi-Wali, who came to the UK as a child refugee from Somalia, said the result showed that people from backgrounds like hers belong in public life.
The defeat is a setback for the Greens, though Polanski said he would remain party leader and noted that one in three voters backed his party.
The result gives Labour a boost as it seeks to regain support from voters who had turned to the Greens.
Labour’s Sagal Abdi-Wali won the Holborn and St Pancras by-election, holding Keir Starmer’s former London seat.
Abdi-Wali received 12,292 votes, ahead of Green Party leader Zack Polanski, who received 8,928.
The result was a setback for the Greens, who had hoped to win a sixth parliamentary seat.
Abdi-Wali, who came to the UK as a child refugee from Somalia, said the result was a defeat for “those who seek to divide us”.
Polanski said he would remain Green Party leader after conceding defeat.
- Who
- Labour candidate Sagal Abdi-Wali defeated Green Party leader Zack Polanski.
- What
- Labour held the parliamentary seat vacated by Keir Starmer.
- When
- The result was announced on Friday, October 9, 2026.
- Where
- Holborn and St Pancras, a central London constituency.
- Why
- The seat became vacant after Starmer resigned as an MP. The contest tested Labour and the Greens’ support among left-wing voters.
Labour
Green Party
Result
Labour
Labour said it had held the seat, with Abdi-Wali winning 12,292 votes.
Green Party
Polanski said one in three voters backed the Greens and that many more had considered doing so.
Political significance
Labour
The victory was described as a boost for Prime Minister Andy Burnham and a sign Labour had won back voters.
Green Party
The Greens increased their share of the vote, but their failure to win the seat was a setback.
those who seek to divide us
One in three voters backed us here, and we know that many more considered it.
We have a responsibility to defend what we’ve built, and pass it on.
Yes, I've taken a loss tonight but our movement is so much bigger than one election or one motion
The Green Party had one MP, compared with five after the by-election.
The short campaign began, with polls reportedly showing the candidates neck and neck.
Abdi-Wali won the by-election and Polanski conceded defeat.
- Labour winner
- Sagal Abdi-Wali
- Green candidate
- Zack Polanski
- Constituency
- Holborn and St Pancras, London
- Abdi-Wali’s votes
- 12,292
- Polanski’s votes
- 8,928
- Vote shares
- Abdi-Wali: 45%; Polanski: almost 33%
Sources
Related news
Burnham says Russia interfered in 2016 Brexit vote
Campaigners say minister’s amendments weaken Holiday Hunger Bill
Burnham to argue for closer UK ties with the EU
Ministers plan cuts to heat pump grants to help fund defence spending
Burnham to urge MPs to pursue closer ties with the EU
IFS warns UK budget must address £35bn in spending pressures
UK ministers explore mandatory AI safety reporting
Minister calls for banks to stop charging small businesses card fees
Burnham pledges to publish details of his dealings with Manchester City
Polanski vows to stay as Green leader after by-election loss and party row
UK prisoners face early release as official numbers remain unclear
