# Holborn and St Pancras by-election candidates confirmed

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/holborn-and-st-pancras-by-election-developments
> Updated: 2026-09-11T20:08:09.000Z. Sources: 24. Developments: 5.

The Labour Party has officially selected Sagal Abdi-Wali, the leader of Camden Council, to contest the Holborn and St Pancras by-election on October 8. Abdi-Wali, a Somali-born former child refugee who has resided in Camden for approximately 35 years, expressed gratitude to the community that welcomed her family. Her selection follows the vacancy of the seat by former Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who resigned as an MP to focus on international affairs.

In the Green Party, Zack Polanski, a London Assembly member and Green Party leader, has secured the nomination after defeating challenger Hamza Chowdhury in a local party vote. Polanski, who has lived and worked in the area for many years, has pledged to address local concerns including crime, unaffordable bills, and rising housing costs.

Following Polanski’s selection, reports emerged regarding an anomaly in the electoral register. He appeared on the official roll under two separate names—Zack Polanski and his birth name, David Paulden—during 2020 and 2021. The Green Party has attributed this to an administrative error by Westminster Council following a name change by deed poll in 2019. Party representatives stated there is no allegation of improper conduct and emphasized that Polanski has never cast multiple ballots.

The upcoming contest is viewed as a significant test for the current Labour leadership, particularly as the Green Party has recently seen gains within the London Borough of Camden.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-11: Zack Polanski selected as Green Party candidate for Holborn and St Pancras

Green Party leader Zack Polanski has been selected as the candidate for the Holborn and St Pancras by-election amid reports of an electoral register duplication caused by an administrative error.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/zack-polanski-selected-as-green-party-candidate-for-holborn-and-st-pancras

### 2026-09-09: Sagal Abdi-Wali selected as Labour candidate for Starmer’s former seat

Sagal Abdi-Wali has been selected as Labour’s candidate for the Holborn and St Pancras by-election, where she will face Green Party leader Zack Polanski on October 8.

10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sagal-abdi-wali-selected-as-labour-candidate-for-holborn-and-st-pancras

### 2026-09-06: Green Party leader Zack Polanski faces internal challenge for Holborn and St Pancras seat

Green Party leader Zack Polanski faces an internal challenge from local councillor Hamza Chowdhury for the party's nomination in the Holborn and St Pancras by-election.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/green-party-leader-zack-polanski-faces-internal-challenge-for-holborn-and-st-pancras-seat

### 2026-09-03: Holborn and St Pancras by-election triggered by Keir Starmer resignation

Keir Starmer's resignation as MP for Holborn and St Pancras triggers a high-stakes by-election, with Camden Council leader Sagal Abdi-Wali tipped as the Labour frontrunner against Green Party leader Zack Polan-

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sagal-abdi-wali-tipped-for-labour-candidacy-in-holborn-and-st-pancras-by-election

### 2026-09-02: Zack Polanski to seek Holborn and St Pancras seat in by-election

Green Party leader Zack Polanski intends to contest the Holborn and St Pancras by-election following Keir Starmer's resignation as MP, targeting the traditionally Labour-held London constituency.

11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/green-party-leader-zack-polanski-eyes-holborn-and-st-pancras-by-election

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Cite as: Holborn and St Pancras by-election candidates confirmed. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/holborn-and-st-pancras-by-election-developments