Sagal Abdi-Wali selected as Labour candidate for Starmer’s former seat

The Labour Party has selected Sagal Abdi-Wali, the leader of Camden Council, to contest the Holborn and St Pancras by-election on October 8. The seat was vacated by former Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who resigned as an MP to focus on international affairs.

Abdi-Wali, a Somali-born former child refugee who has lived in Camden for approximately 35 years, expressed her gratitude to the community that welcomed her family. She previously served as a councillor for Camden Square and as a cabinet member for housing.

The Green Party has confirmed Zack Polanski, a London Assembly member and Green Party leader, as its candidate. Polanski secured the nomination following a local party vote, defeating local councillor Hamza Chowdhury. The contest is viewed as a significant test for the current Labour leadership, as the Greens have recently made gains in the London Borough of Camden.