Zack Polanski has been selected as the Green Party candidate for Keir Starmer’s former seat in the upcoming by-election. Polanski won the selection contest against Camden councillor Hamza Chowdhury on Thursday evening.
He will contest Holborn and St Pancras on October 8.The by-election follows Starmer’s resignation as the constituency’s Member of Parliament. Starmer previously represented the London constituency for more than a decade.
During the 2024 general election, Starmer retained the seat with a majority exceeding 11,000 votes. However, his vote share fell sharply compared with earlier elections.
Polanski currently serves as leader of the Green Party in England and Wales. He also serves as a London Assembly member.Following his selection, Polanski described the Greens as underdogs with growing momentum. He promised to campaign on housing, living costs, inequality and climate action.
Meanwhile, Labour has selected local council leader Sagal Abdi-Wali for the contest. The race could provide an important test for Prime Minister Andy Burnham.Green campaigners hope Polanski can turn growing support into a historic parliamentary victory.
The party recently expanded its local council representation across the constituency. Holborn and St Pancras has traditionally provided strong support for Labour candidates. Yet recent political shifts have created opportunities for smaller parties.
Polanski has promised to remain active in the constituency beyond the election campaign. He says local residents deserve stronger representation on issues affecting everyday life.
The Zack Polanski candidacy now gives the Greens a prominent figure for their campaign. His performance could influence the party’s wider political ambitions. For Labour, the Zack Polanski challenge presents a serious contest in a historically safe constituency. Voters will decide the seat on October 8.
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