Story perspectives

Labour’s Sagal Abdi-Wali to contest Holborn by-election

By Drooid · Oct 8, 2026, 10:59 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Abdi-Wali Stands

Labour council leader Sagal Abdi-Wali is standing in the Holborn and St Pancras by-election.
Green Party leader Zack Polanski is also contesting, aiming to end Labour’s uninterrupted hold since 1983.
Conservative councillor Ewan Cameron, Liberal Democrat Patrick Stillman and Workers Party leader George Galloway are among the other candidates.
The by-election is set for October 8, 2026; in 2024 Sir Keir Starmer won 48.9% (18,884 votes).

Summary

Israel Bans Polanski

The Green Party motion equating Zionism with racism sparked criticism and prompted Israel to ban Roman Polanski from entry.
The constituency’s Muslim population of about 22,000 (20% of residents) forms a pivotal voter bloc.
YouGov polling shows London voters split 28-26 points between Labour and the Greens in a two-horse race.
Forty-five percent overseas-born and forty-eight percent aged 18-34 constitute a demographic that favours progressive platforms.

Summary

Harman Warns Arrests

Deputy Assistant Commissioner James Harman warned of arrests after clashes between canvassers and protesters.
Police reported weekend detentions of individuals who intimidated canvassers in the constituency.
Labour campaigners were heckled outside Al Rahman Mosque by a resident in a Palestine football shirt.
Somali restaurant owner Fatima Al Jumaa removed Labour posters, saying they hurt her business.
Green candidate Zack Polanski visited the restaurant, speaking with patrons and Somali-speaking volunteers.

History

Historical Context

The UN General Assembly adopted Resolution 3379 on 10 November 1975, with 72 members voting to label Zionism a form of racism, while the United States and the Soviet Union led the 35 votes against. The resolution was repealed by Resolution 46/86 on 16 December 1991 (111-25 vote). That historic split resurfaces in today’s Holborn and St Pancras by-election, where Green candidate Zack Polanski’s Zionism-racism motion has sparked protests and diplomatic warnings.

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Abdi-Wali Stands

Labour council leader Sagal Abdi-Wali is standing in the Holborn and St Pancras by-election.
Green Party leader Zack Polanski is also contesting, aiming to end Labour’s uninterrupted hold since 1983.
Conservative councillor Ewan Cameron, Liberal Democrat Patrick Stillman and Workers Party leader George Galloway are among the other candidates.
The by-election is set for October 8, 2026; in 2024 Sir Keir Starmer won 48.9% (18,884 votes).

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