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

Labour's candidate, Sagal Abdi-Wali, secured a victory in a UK by-election by defeating Green Party leader Zack Polanski. Abdi-Wali, who arrived in the country as a child refugee from Somalia, emphasized the importance of diversity and belonging in her victory speech. She expressed her hope that the election result would help individuals like her feel a sense of belonging in Britain.

The by-election was triggered by the resignation of former Prime Minister Keir Starmer as an MP. Labour's choice of a British Somali candidate had faced criticism from Reform UK's home affairs spokesman, Zia Yusuf. The Green Party's leadership conference also saw a motion passed declaring "Zionism is racism," which Polanski failed to address directly when asked about his stance on Israel's right to exist.

Despite the setback, Polanski remains committed to leading his party, which has seen a significant increase in membership since he took the helm. However, recent popularity ratings for the party have dipped. Polanski acknowledged the loss but encouraged his party to continue growing, emphasizing the support he has received from constituents who want to give Labour leader Andy Burnham a chance.

The seat was vacated by Starmer, who was replaced as the UK's leader by Andy Burnham. Burnham had hoped that Starmer could counter the Greens' influence, but Abdi-Wali's victory underscores the strength of Labour's progressive voter base, which has been revitalized under Burnham's leadership.