“©️ Zackery Griffiths“

---

Green Party leader Zack Polanski defeated in the fiercely contested Holborn and St Pancras by-election, with Labour’s Sagal Abdi-Wali to secure the parliamentary seat previously held by former Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.

The result is expected to bring an end to weeks of intense campaigning in one of Britain’s most closely watched parliamentary contests.

Polanski had personally entered the race in the hope of securing a historic victory for the Green Party and gaining a seat in the House of Commons.

The Green leader had described the contest as being on a knife-edge, maintaining that his party could overturn Labour’s longstanding dominance in the north London constituency.

However, the count says Labour has successfully defended its position against the Green challenge.

Sagal Abdi-Wali, a former child refugee from Somalia who went on to become leader of Camden Council, is to succeed Sir Keir Starmer as the constituency’s Member of Parliament.

Her campaign focused on housing, local services and her record of community representation.

The constituency has been represented by Labour since its creation in 1983, making Polanski’s decision to contest the seat personally an ambitious electoral challenge.

His campaign attracted considerable national attention, with activists mobilised in an effort to deliver a political upset.

But the closing stages of the election were overshadowed by controversy within the Green Party after members voted to adopt a motion equating Zionism with racism.

The decision sparked criticism from Jewish organisations, political opponents and prominent figures within the Greens.

Polanski did not participate in that conference vote, having been campaigning at the time.

The dispute increased scrutiny of his leadership during the final days of the by-election, although its effect on individual voting decisions remains unknown.

For Labour, victory would represents an important early electoral success under Prime Minister Andy Burnham.

For Polanski, the reported loss means his attempt to enter Parliament has fallen short despite an extensive campaign and significant national publicity.

The Green leader has previously insisted that his position as party leader does not depend on winning the constituency.

Nevertheless, the contest is likely to generate considerable debate about the Greens’ electoral strategy and their ability to challenge Labour directly.