UK Green Party leader confirmed to contest Starmer’s former seat

Zack Polanski, the leader of Britain's Green Party, has been confirmed as the party's candidate for a parliamentary seat in Holborn and St Pancras. This constituency was previously held by former Labour prime minister Keir Starmer, who won with a substantial majority in 2024. The by-election will take place on October 8. In the last election two years ago, an independent candidate focused on opposing Israel's war in Gaza secured nearly 19% of the vote, though they have since withdrawn from the current race.

The Green Party candidate in this race is expected to receive over 10% of the vote. Speaking to party supporters on Friday, Polanski acknowledged that while the Green Party was an underdog, they had gained momentum and had the potential to win the election. Previously this week, the Labour Party had chosen Sagal Abdi-Wali, the leader of the local council, to be their candidate for the by-election.