Zack Polanski has taken a significant step forward in his ambition to secure a parliamentary seat, receiving the endorsement of local Green party members to become the party’s candidate for the upcoming byelection in Holborn and St Pancras.
The leader of the Green party in England and Wales began his campaign on Tuesday, accompanied by fellow Green representative Hannah Spencer, who serves as the MP for Gorton and Denton. Polanski is actively considering his candidacy for the seat left vacant by Keir Starmer, who stepped down on Monday.
While the final decision regarding the candidate will rest with local party members, sources within the Green party indicate that there is strong support for Polanski’s bid, with no prominent local activist expected to challenge him. Nominations are anticipated to open shortly, with candidates set to be finalized by the end of next week.
Lorna Jane Russell, the leader of the Green party on Camden council, has opted not to enter the race, citing her commitment to her role as the opposition leader at Camden Town Hall and her current pregnancy.
On the anniversary of his election on September 2, 2025, Polanski described the byelection as a potential “referendum on ending rip-off Britain,” expressing his enthusiasm for this new phase for himself, the Green party, and the wider community.
Insiders within the party in London believe that Polanski’s leadership has contributed to a surge in membership, making him a strong contender for the position. “His candidacy would generate considerable excitement,” remarked one source. “This seat has a history of attracting well-known figures, and I believe Zack’s profile would resonate well with local members.”
However, Polanski’s ambitions come with challenges, as the former Prime Minister’s seat is typically regarded as a safe Labour stronghold. If Labour MP Diane Abbott were to vacate her position, Polanski might prefer a challenge in Hackney, where the Green party has recently achieved mayoral success. Despite Labour’s loss of seats during the recent local elections, they managed to retain control of Camden council. “This isn’t Gorton and Denton,” noted a Labour source. “The support for Burnham will have a positive impact here.”
Labour MP Tulip Siddiq, representing Hampstead and Highgate, has indicated that her party members are already campaigning vigorously and are optimistic about retaining the seat. “I know Camden very well, and I believe we can win this,” she stated.
Siddiq further commented, “The Labour vote remains strong, and Andy Burnham’s initiatives are being well-received by Camden residents. I will be campaigning daily and putting forth my utmost effort.”
Labour has decided against an all-women shortlist and plans to announce their candidate by next Wednesday, with the application window closing on Friday and shortlisting expected to commence early next week.
Sagal Abdi-Wali, who arrived in the UK as a child refugee from Somalia and has been leading Camden council since May, is believed to be the frontrunner. “She has an inspiring personal narrative that connects with people of all backgrounds in Camden,” a Labour source remarked. “She is well-known and respected within the local party.”
Other potential candidates include Adam Hug, former leader of Westminster council, who lost his position after the Conservatives regained control in the recent local elections, as well as Nash Ali, a former Camden mayor, and Rishi Madlani, a former councillor in Camden.
Abdi-Wali’s close ties to Starmer raise concerns among local Labour sources that any attempt to introduce an outsider candidate could face significant backlash. “It will be intriguing to see if Burnham is as appealing in North London as he is in Makerfield,” one source commented. “Many of his proposed policies seem to cater more to the broader country rather than specifically addressing London’s needs.”
