Zack Polanski, the current leader of the Green Party, has been selected to stand as the party’s candidate in the forthcoming by-election for the Holborn and St Pancras constituency, the former seat of Sir Keir Starmer.
Polanski, who also serves as a member of the London Assembly, will formally declare his candidacy on 8 October. The decision was made after he secured the support of Camden Green Party members, defeating local councillor Hamza Chowdhury.
Reflecting on his connection to the area, Polanski revealed that he moved to London two decades ago and has since lived and worked throughout Holborn and St Pancras. He acknowledged the economic hardships facing residents, noting that housing instability is a widespread issue in the capital.
“My story of constantly moving around flats is such a common story for Londoners and I know so many people are struggling right now,” Polanski said. He added that casting a vote for the Greens would send a strong message to both the local council and the national government regarding the demand for improved community services.
Although Polanski acknowledged that the Green Party may be considered the underdog in this contest, he expressed confidence in the party’s momentum, stating, “We can win.”
Green MP Hannah Spencer announced the result, confirming that members had “overwhelmingly” chosen Polanski for the nomination.
The seat became vacant after the former Prime Minister announced his intention to step down from Parliament to pursue a role in international affairs. Labour has held the inner London constituency since it was established in 1983. The Labour Party has selected Camden Council leader Sagal Abdi-Wali as its candidate for the by-election.
So Hamza Chowdhury lost the local nomination? That’s quite a statement. I wonder if his supporters will defect or stay home on polling day.
I’m relieved they picked someone with local roots instead of a distant politician. The housing instability Polanski mentioned is genuinely alarming right now.
Wait, Starmer is leaving Parliament? That explains the sudden vacancy. Good luck to Sagal Abdi-Wali keeping the seat for Labour.
Can the Greens actually win an inner London seat? Labour has held it since 1983, so I’m skeptical despite the Green Party’s current momentum.
Polanski moving back to Holborn is poetic justice. He knows the housing crisis intimately, which makes his campaign message far more credible than most.