Zack Polanski eyes Holborn and St Pancras by-election after Starmer’s resignation

Green Party leader Zack Polanski told the *Camden New Journal* he intends to stand as the Green candidate in the Holborn and St Pancras by-election triggered by Sir Keir Starmer’s resignation. Selection by local Green members is pending; the party expects to complete the process by the end of next week. A date for the by-election has not yet been set.

BBC News

The seat has been a Labour stronghold since 1983, with Labour winning at least 40 % of the vote at every election. In the 2024 general election Starmer’s share fell to 48.9 % and his majority shrank to 11,572. Independent candidate Andrew Feinstein took 18.9 % and the Greens 10.4 % of the vote.

The Independent

Since Polanski became Green leader in September 2025, party membership has more than tripled and the Greens took control of three London borough councils in the May local elections, as well as winning the Gorton and Denton by-election earlier in the year. The party currently holds five seats in Parliament.

The London Economic

• 2024 result in Holborn and St Pancras: Starmer 48.9 % (majority 11,572), Feinstein 18.9 %, Greens 10.4 %.

Al Jazeera (website)

• 2019 result: Starmer 64.5 % of the vote, majority 27,763.

The Independent

• Green Party national polling peaked at 21 % in February 2026, falling to 13 % by early September 2026 (YouGov).

Will Green leader Zack Polanski stay red in Holborn and St Pancras by election?

• Green membership rose from roughly 80,000 to 230,000 after Polanski’s election as leader.

The Independent

• Greens now run four London councils and hold two mayoralties (Hackney and Lewisham).

The London Economic

The contest is viewed as a litmus test for the left of British politics. A Green win would give the party its first MP in London and could revive its momentum after recent polling declines. Conversely, a Labour hold would reinforce Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s “bounce” and his ability to retain left-leaning voters. The by-election also highlights internal Green tensions between members favouring a pro-Gaza independent candidate and those backing Polanski’s leadership.

The Independent

• The Labour Party is reportedly considering Sagal Abdi-Wali, leader of Camden Council, as its candidate (Guardian).

Washington Examiner

• Professor Sir John Curtice described the by-election as a “severe test” for Polanski and warned that the Greens face a “tough gig” against Labour’s historic strength in the seat.

The Independent

• No official timetable exists for the by-election; sources agree only that a date has not been set.

The Independent

• Polling assessments differ: some analysts (e.g., *The Guardian* poll-of-polls) suggest the Greens could be competitive, while others (e.g., *Independent* commentary) view Labour as the clear favourite.

Zack Polanski to stand in by-election after Starmer resigned

• The final list of Labour candidates remains unsettled, with multiple names floated in media reports.

The Independent

• “There would be a lot of excitement about him standing,” — one Green party member.

The Guardian