Green Party leader Zack Polanski has confirmed his intention to contest the by-election in Holborn and St Pancras, setting up an early electoral challenge for Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s Labour government following Keir Starmer’s decision to resign as the constituency’s Member of Parliament.
Polanski, who currently serves as a London Assembly member rather than an MP, stated that he is “so excited by the prospect” of becoming the first Green MP for the north London constituency, as his party seeks to convert growing local support into a breakthrough in Parliament.
The announcement brings greater clarity to a by-election in a seat that has long been regarded as a Labour stronghold. Starmer had represented Holborn and St Pancras since 2015 and retained the constituency at the 2024 general election, although his vote share fell significantly compared with previous contests.
The Greens also increased their presence in the area, while independent candidate Andrew Feinstein emerged as Starmer’s closest challenger.
Polanski’s decision therefore places the Green Party at the centre of an increasingly competitive race and could test whether Labour can retain support among voters on the political left at a time when the party faces pressure from emerging alternatives.
Speaking to the Camden New Journal, Polanski made clear that his interest in the constituency is rooted in his existing connection to the area rather than simply the opportunity created by Starmer’s departure.
“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. I am so excited by the prospect of representing this place in Parliament.”
Zack Polanski
He added: “It’s a clear fight between Labour and the Green Party.”
The Green Party currently has five MPs, meaning a victory in Holborn and St Pancras would give the party a sixth parliamentary representative and further demonstrate the electoral momentum it has sought to build under Polanski’s leadership.
However, Polanski’s announcement does not automatically make him the official Green candidate. He must first secure the backing of local party members through the constituency’s selection process. Recent reports indicate that he has substantial support among local members and is expected to be selected, although divisions within the local party could complicate the process.
Green Ambitions Face Internal Divisions and Potential Independent Challenge
The Green Party’s attempt to capture Holborn and St Pancras, however, could face obstacles from within its own ranks as well as from Labour.
Reports have emerged of divisions among local Green activists over who should contest the seat. Some members are understood to favour a Palestinian candidate or a pro-Gaza independent rather than Polanski.
The issue could become particularly important if Andrew Feinstein decides to contest the by-election again. Feinstein, an independent candidate who campaigned prominently on the Gaza issue during the 2024 general election, finished second behind Starmer and secured almost 19% of the vote. The Greens received just over 10% at that election.
A decision by Feinstein to stand again could therefore divide voters seeking a left-wing alternative to Labour, potentially making the contest more difficult for Polanski.
There have reportedly been discussions among some Green activists about whether a candidate associated with the Palestinian cause could be more competitive, including suggestions that Feinstein could receive Green backing or potentially run under the party’s banner.
Meanwhile, Labour views the by-election as a crucial test for Burnham’s administration.
Applications close on Friday, although the party has not yet officially chosen its nominee. A number of individuals have been mentioned as possible candidates, including Sagal Abdi-Wali, the leader of the Camden Council, who is reportedly one of the front-runners.
Labour will have to contend with a political climate that is far different from the one in which Starmer initially won the seat while defending a constituency that has always given the party significant support.
Starmer’s departure itself has added another layer of uncertainty. The former Prime Minister announced earlier that he would leave Parliament after previously indicating that he intended to remain as an MP until the next general election, which is not expected until 2029.
Starmer noted that it was the “right time” to “pass the baton to a successor,” explaining that he wanted to devote his attention to international affairs.
The decision came only two months after Starmer resigned as prime minister due to pressure from Labour MPs to step down. His resignation from the Commons requires Labour to defend his previous constituency, while his replacement, Burnham, seeks to establish his own political influence.
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