Full Breakdown
Zack Polanski faces internal Green Party challenge ahead of Holborn & St Pancras by-election
9/8/2026, 6:11:02 AM
Nomination battle within the Green Party
The Green Party’s selection for the Holborn & St Pancras by-election is contested. Party leader Zack Polanski announced his intention to stand, while Hamza Chowdhury, a Camden councillor, argues the constituency needs a locally-based MP. The by-election is set for October 8 after Sir Keir Starmer’s resignation. Local Green members will vote later this week, with the result announced shortly thereafter.
Background & Context
Sir Keir Starmer held the seat since 2015, winning the 2024 general election with 48.9 % of the vote and an 11,572-vote majority. In that contest the Greens came third with 10.4 %.
In the May 7 local elections the Greens lagged Labour by roughly ten points, narrowing to about four points after accounting for two uncontested wards.
Key Figures & Groups
- Zack Polanski – Green Party leader in England and Wales; London Assembly member; seeking his first parliamentary seat.
- Hamza Chowdhury – Camden councillor; advocating for a locally rooted MP.
- Lorna Russell – Group leader of the Camden Greens; supports Chowdhury.
- Ms Powell – Labour spokesperson on the constituency.
Timeline
- May 7 – Local elections; Greens trail Labour by ~10 points, effective gap ~4 points.
- June 2026 – Starmer resigns, triggering the by-election.
- October 8 – Scheduled by-election date.
Data & Statistics
- 2024 vote share: Starmer 48.9 %, Feinstein 18.9 %, Greens 10.4 %, Conservatives 7.2 %.
- Majority in 2024: 11,572 votes for Labour.
- Camden Green councillors: 10 total, with 7 opposing Polanski’s nomination.
Official Statements & Responses
Polanski emphasizes his long-term residence and plans to cycle to the constituency from his Hackney flat. Labour’s Ms Powell says the party is delivering “progressive change” on cost-of-living, rough-sleeping, youth unemployment and social-care reforms, positioning Labour as the favourite.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We need an MP who is present, accessible and visibly part of the community all year round.” — Mr Chowdhury
- “I have lived and worked in this community over many years, I know it well and I love it,” — Mr Polanski
- “While others talk, Labour is delivering the progressive change people in Holborn and St Pancras want to see.” — Powell
Why It Matters
The by-election will test the Greens’ electoral strength and serve as an early barometer for Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s Labour government. A Green win would break Labour’s hold on the seat since 1983; a Labour win would reinforce its dominance.
What’s Next
Local Green members will cast their votes later this week, finalising the candidate ahead of the October 8 campaign. Both Polanski and Chowdhury are expected to intensify canvassing and social-media outreach as the election approaches.
