Full Breakdown
London Mayor’s Urdu Reply Sparks Political Row Ahead of Holborn & St Pancras By-Election
By Drooid · · How we work
The incident in the London Assembly
During a London Assembly session, Mayor Sadiq Khan answered Green Party Assembly Member Zack Polanski’s question about data-centre approvals entirely in Urdu. The exchange provoked laughter from other members and a brief apology from Khan for speaking with a “Russian accent” for Urdu speakers.
Background: Urdu campaign video and the upcoming by-election
Polanski, the Greens’ candidate for the Holborn & St Pancras by-election, released a campaign video in which he introduced himself in Urdu and urged voters to back the Greens. The by-election to replace former Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer is scheduled for October 8.
Data & statistics: Urdu speakers in the constituency
According to the 2021 census, only 256 residents of the London Borough of Camden list Urdu as their main language, representing roughly 0.12 % of the borough’s population of about 217,000.
Official statements & responses
- Mayor Sadiq Khan explained that his Urdu reply was a light-hearted attempt to match Polanski’s language choice, later adding an apology for any accent issues.
- Green Party spokesperson said Polanski had informed the Assembly Chair in advance that he could not attend certain committee meetings and that colleague Caroline Russell substituted for him on the fire-committee session.
- Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said the video made him feel “uncomfortable” and argued that voters should be able to understand candidates’ messages.
Criticism & opposition
- William Yarwood, Campaigns Director at the Taxpayers Alliance, argued that skipping scrutiny on housing is serious, and missing the antisemitic-arson meeting is “especially serious.”
Verbatim quotes
- “Because of pressure from the Greens, Labour has made many U-turns. Vote for the Greens.” — Lord Khan, notice london mayor
- “The fact that he wasn't in attendance demonstrates contempt for London's Jewish community and an indifference to these and other acts of antisemitism that now tragically dominate the lives of so many Jews in London.” — Gary Mond, President of the Reform Jewish Alliance
- “Missing scrutiny on housing is bad enough, but missing a meeting on antisemitic arson attacks is especially serious.” — Mr Yarwood, Campaigns Director at the Taxpayers Alliance
What’s next
The contest remains a two-horse race between Labour’s candidate Sagal Abdi-Wali and Polanski for the October 8 by-election. Both campaigns are expected to continue highlighting language outreach and climate-policy positions as the vote approaches.