Full Breakdown
Labour Retains Holborn and St Pancras in By-Election
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
Labour candidate Sagal Abdi-Wali was declared the winner of the Holborn and St Pancras by-election, keeping the seat for Labour after Sir Keir Starmer’s resignation. The contest attracted 13 candidates and recorded a turnout of 38.76 percent, lower than recent regional by-elections.
Background & Context
The constituency has been a Labour stronghold since its creation in 1983, first held by former health secretary Frank Dobson and then by Starmer for 11 years. Starmer stepped down, prompting Prime Minister Andy Burnham to endorse Abdi-Wali, the leader of Camden Council and a former Somali refugee.
The Green Party entered the race under leader Zack Polanski, hoping to turn its May 2026 local-election gains—over 440 councillors and control of five councils—into a Westminster seat. Polanski’s platform highlighted rent controls, public ownership of Thames Water and an end to new North Sea drilling. His campaign was shadowed by a controversial Brighton conference motion declaring “Zionism is racism,” which Polanski abstained from voting on.
Data & Statistics
- Turnout: 38.76 percent.
- Candidates: 13, including Conservative Ewan Cameron, Reform UK’s Peter Newman, Liberal Democrat Patrick Thomas Stillman and Workers Party of Britain’s George Galloway.
- 2024 baseline: Starmer 48.9 percent (18,884 votes); independent Andrew Feinstein 18.9 percent (7,312 votes); Greens 10.4 percent (4,030 votes).
Official Statements & Responses
Prime Minister Burnham praised Abdi-Wali as “a brilliant local MP” and noted the borough gave her family hope after arriving as a refugee.
Abdi-Wali’s platform called for public ownership of Thames Water, tackling rough sleeping and expanding opportunities for young people. She framed the victory as a statement on diversity and belonging in Camden and Britain.
Polanski urged voters to push Labour on rent controls, water-utility reform and climate policy, specifically demanding an end to new North Sea drilling.
On-the-Ground Reports
Local voters expressed mixed feelings. Retired paediatrician Andrea Goddard remained loyal to Labour, while former Labour supporter Uma Bhardwaj considered an “anti-Starmer” vote for the Greens, citing dissatisfaction with Labour’s stance on Gaza. Observers described the campaign atmosphere as “close,” reflecting heightened stakes for both parties.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The precise vote share for each candidate in the by-election has not been disclosed in the available sources, leaving a gap in the quantitative assessment of Labour’s margin of victory.
Verbatim Quotes
- “On the climate crisis, today is the day to say clearly to Labour, ‘no new drilling in the North Sea’ – a decision they chose to delay until after the by-election result. That makes your vote powerful.” — Prime Minister Andy Burnham
- “I hope this moment also says something about who gets to belong, for people who look like me, I hope they see themselves reflected in this place and know that their path too belongs here. This is Camden, and this is Britain.” — Ms Abdi-Wali
- “It’s hard to think of someone more committed to their local area and the care of people than Sagal.” — Mr Burnham, prime minister