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Labour election winner gives ‘This is Britain’ speech after defeating Green leader Zack Polanski

The UK’s ruling Labour party saw off the challenge from Green Party leader Zack Polanski in a by-election caused by former prime minister Keir Starmer's resignation as an MP. Labour’s candidate, local council leader Sagal Abdi-Wali, delivered a powerful victory speech about diversity in Britain. She arrived in the country as a child refugee from Somalia and said she hoped the result of the vote…

Labour election winner gives ‘This is Britain’ speech after defeating Green leader Zack Polanski

In a critical by-election, Labour candidate Sagal Abdi-Wali secured a victory in the Holborn and St Pancras constituency, marking a significant setback for the Green Party led by Zack Polanski. Abdi-Wali, who arrived in the UK as a child refugee from Somalia, highlighted the importance of diversity and belonging in her victory speech, stating that her background should not be a hindrance to feeling at home in Britain.

The seat had been held by Labour for decades, and Abdi-Wali's win suggests a potential shift in progressive voter support. While Polanski, the Green Party leader, increased his party's membership, his popularity has waned in recent months after a controversial motion declaring "Zionism is racism" passed at their conference. Despite his defeat, Polanski remains committed to the Greens' mission.

Labour leader Andy Burnham, who unexpectedly won the seat, emphasized the importance of hope and progress in politics, highlighting his party's newfound momentum under his leadership.

Written by urgent.news from The National UAE's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.

Also reported by 5 other outlets

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