{
  "id": 6746753,
  "title": "Polanski selected as Green Party candidate for Starmer's former seat",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/11/polanski-selected-as-green-party-candidate-for-starmers-former-seat",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-11T11:06:46.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "BBC News",
    "slug": "bbc-news",
    "url": "https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cqxvzpg82yvo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "London Assembly member Zack Polanski has been chosen as the Green Party's candidate in the upcoming by-election for the seat previously held by Sir Keir Starmer. The election will take place on October 8th in Holborn and St Pancras. Polanski was elected as the party's candidate by members of the Camden Green Party before Hamza Chowdhury, a local councillor. Polanski expressed optimism about the election, stating that while the Greens may be the underdogs, they have momentum and can win. He highlighted his deep connection to the area, having lived and worked in Holborn and St Pancras for many years. Polanski emphasized that voting Green would send a strong message to the council and government, demanding better for communities. He also mentioned the election as an opportunity to put pressure on Prime Minister Andy Burnham and work constructively with him to challenge his policies. Green MP Hannah Spencer announced that the membership had overwhelmingly selected Polanski. The Greens finished second to Labour in the recent Camden Council elections. This by-election serves as an early gauge of Burnham's popularity and Labour's ability to resist Green influence in inner-city constituencies. Polanski's goal is to demonstrate whether he can deliver on the Greens' ambition to replace Labour, as the party has held the seat since its creation in 1983. Labour's candidate for the by-election is Camden Council leader Sagal Abdi-Wali. Sir Keir Starmer vacated the seat after stepping down as Prime Minister to focus on international affairs.",
  "summary": "The Green Party leader said the party is the \"underdog\" in Holborn and St Pancras but \"can win\".",
  "key_points": [
    "Zack Polanski chosen as Green Party candidate for Holborn and St Pancras by-election.",
    "Election on October 8th, with Labour's Sagal Abdi-Wali as opposing candidate.",
    "Polanski emphasizes connection to area, aims to challenge Labour's hold on seat."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}