Zack Polanski to stand in by-election for Keir Starmer’s seat

Zack Polanski, leader of the Green Party, will contest the forthcoming by-election in Holborn and St Pancras, a historically Labour safe seat, following Sir Keir Starmer's departure from Parliament. Polanski, who is already a member of the London Assembly, has received full backing from Green Party members for the role. In an interview with local paper Camden New Journal, the Green Party leader expressed his deep connection to the community, stating his excitement about representing the area in Parliament.

He emphasized the unique qualities of Holborn and St Pancras, noting the borough's diversity and potential. Polanski also criticized Labour for allegedly prioritizing corporate interests over constituents' needs. The announcement intensifies pressure on Labour to field a candidate capable of unseating Polanski. In the 2024 election, Starmer secured his reelection with a reduced vote share, while independent candidate Andrew Feinstein garnered just under 19% and the Green Party received 10.4%.

Labour's previous candidate, former Prime Minister, received approximately 49% of the vote. Labour's front-runner to challenge Polanski is Labour councillor Sagal Abdi-Wali. Recent polls show Polanski's approval ratings have plummeted to -24, compared to a net score of 12 for Andy Burnham and four for Kemi Badenoch. The Green Party's overall share of the vote currently stands at 10%, trailing Labour at 23% and Reform UK at 26%.

Polanski has faced criticism in recent months over allegations of mishandling council tax, sharing a threatening image linked to a man calling for Nigel Farage's death, and denigrating the Metropolitan Police's response to a violent attack on a Jewish individual in Golders Green.