Green Party leader Zack Polanski has confirmed his intention to stand as a candidate in the upcoming Holborn and St Pancras by-election, triggered by the resignation of former Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
Polanski, who has led the UK Green Party since 2024, announced his candidacy in a statement to the Camden New Journal on Thursday. He emphasized his long-standing ties to the constituency, stating: “I have lived and worked in this community over many years, I know it well, and I love it. It represents so many of the things that make London so special.”
The by-election follows Starmer’s decision to step down as an MP, citing a shift toward new work in international affairs. His resignation came after Labour leader Andy Burnham replaced him as Prime Minister in July, following a series of policy reversals and poor local election results for the party.
Labour’s hold on the seat
Holborn and St Pancras has been a Labour stronghold since the 1980s, first under Frank Dobson and later under Starmer. Labour has won at least 40% of the vote in every election since the seat’s creation, though Starmer’s majority in 2024 (11,000 votes) was significantly lower than his 2019 margin (27,763 votes). The constituency, located in Camden, has seen shifting political dynamics, with Labour retaining control of the local council in May but losing ground to the Greens, who secured 11 council seats—seven of which were in Camden.
Green Party’s electoral prospects
The Greens currently hold five seats in Parliament but have never won a parliamentary seat in London. Polling expert Professor Sir John Curtice described the by-election as a “make or break” moment for Polanski, calling it a “severe test” of his leadership. While Curtice noted that Polanski “has got a chance” of winning, he cautioned that the odds remain low given Labour’s historical dominance in the area.
Polanski framed the contest as a broader struggle against economic inequality, telling the Camden New Journal: “It’s a clear fight between Labour and the Green Party. People are struggling—things we used to afford are increasingly out of reach—and this is a chance to send a message that we won’t sit by as wealth becomes more concentrated at the top.” He pledged to use his position in Parliament to pressure the Labour government on affordability issues.
Internal party dynamics
Polanski’s candidacy has not been universally supported within the Green Party. Reports suggest some local members are pushing to endorse a British Palestinian or pro-Gaza independent candidate instead, reflecting broader divisions within the party over foreign policy and electoral strategy. Polanski has not publicly addressed these internal debates.
The by-election is expected to draw significant attention as a bellwether for Labour’s performance under Burnham and the Greens’ growing influence in urban constituencies. Voting is scheduled to take place in the coming months, with the exact date yet to be confirmed.