Labour has held the parliamentary seat of Holborn and St Pancras in central London, defeating a strong challenge from the Green Party in a by-election that could offer a much-needed boost to the party following a difficult period in government. The result is also an important test of whether Labour can win back left-leaning voters who have become increasingly attracted to the Greens.
Labour candidate Sagal Abdi-Wali, the leader of the local council, won 12,292 votes, beating Green Party leader Zack Polanski, who received 8,928. The constituency became vacant after former Labour leader Keir Starmer stepped down as a Member of Parliament in September, following his departure as prime minister in July.
The result gives Labour an opportunity to strengthen its position among urban voters as the party faces pressure from different political directions. While Reform UK has emerged as a major challenger in national polling, the Green Party has been attracting voters who believe Labour has moved away from its traditional left-wing priorities.
For Labour, the victory will be welcomed as a sign that it may be able to recover some of the support lost during Starmer’s time in office. For the Greens, however, the result raises questions about whether the party can maintain its recent momentum and convert growing support into parliamentary victories.
Sagal Abdi-Wali promises to focus on housing and local priorities
In her victory speech, Abdi-Wali paid tribute to Starmer and said she wanted to work with Andy Burnham on issues including housing. Her message focused on protecting Labour’s achievements while delivering practical improvements for residents of Holborn and St Pancras.
She said the campaign had been built around hope and argued that the result gave the party a responsibility to deliver on the public’s expectations. Her victory places her at the centre of Labour’s efforts to reconnect with voters who want to see tangible improvements in their communities.
Housing is likely to remain a key concern for residents in central London, where the cost of renting or buying a home can place significant pressure on household finances. Labour’s ability to demonstrate progress on issues such as housing affordability, public services and living costs will be important as it seeks to regain confidence among voters.
The by-election had been widely expected to favour Labour, but the Green Party’s strong performance meant the governing party could not take victory for granted. The result suggests that, despite its difficulties, Labour retains the ability to mobilise support in a constituency closely associated with its former leader.
Andy Burnham’s influence challenges Green Party momentum
The result comes as Andy Burnham seeks to rebuild Labour’s appeal among voters who have become frustrated with the party’s performance in government. His policy positions have helped the party reconnect with some left-leaning voters, including through a tougher approach to Israel and a more ambitious stance on relations with the European Union.
The Green Party made significant gains in London’s local elections in May, taking advantage of Starmer’s declining popularity and attracting voters who wanted a stronger progressive alternative. Those gains raised expectations that the party could make further advances in parliamentary politics.
However, the Greens have since lost some ground in national polling, according to the supplied report. Burnham’s emergence has given Labour a renewed opportunity to appeal to voters who might otherwise have backed the Greens, particularly those concerned about foreign policy, social issues and the direction of the British economy.
The result is therefore significant beyond the constituency itself. Labour needs to show that it can recover support from voters who feel disappointed by its record, while the Greens must demonstrate that their growing profile can translate into victories at Westminster.
Zack Polanski faces questions after Green Party setback
The defeat is another challenge for Polanski, whose leadership has faced scrutiny following controversy over a motion passed by Green Party members declaring that Zionism is racism. The motion attracted widespread criticism from Jewish organisations, other political parties and many Green MPs, according to the report.
Polanski, who is Jewish, said he believed the displacement of Palestinian people was racist. However, he did not confirm that he supported the motion, having not taken part in the vote the previous weekend.
The controversy has added pressure at a difficult moment for the Green Party, which had hoped to build on its electoral gains and strengthen its position as a serious challenger to Labour on the left. The party now faces the task of maintaining its broader political message while responding to criticism over its internal debate on Zionism and Israel.
Following the result, Polanski acknowledged his disappointment but said he would remain as Green Party leader. He also insisted that the party would continue to grow despite losing the contest.
Reflecting on conversations with voters during the campaign, Polanski said many had told him they wanted to give Burnham a chance. He added that Burnham now had that opportunity and would have to demonstrate what he could achieve.
What the by-election means for British politics
Labour’s victory provides some relief for a party that has faced sustained political pressure following policy reversals, disappointing local election results and declining public confidence during Starmer’s leadership. However, holding a seat in a constituency where Labour was expected to perform strongly does not automatically mean the party has resolved its wider problems.
The contest also highlights the challenge facing the Green Party as it tries to turn dissatisfaction with Labour into lasting electoral support. While the Greens have demonstrated an ability to attract voters in local elections, winning parliamentary seats against an established Labour campaign remains a different test.
With the next national election expected by mid-2029, both parties have time to reshape their messages and compete for voters who want stronger action on housing, public services, the environment and Britain’s role in international affairs. The extent to which Labour can deliver on its promises, and whether the Greens can maintain their momentum, could help shape the political landscape in the years ahead.
For Nigerians living in the UK, the outcome matters because decisions made by the governing party and its parliamentary representatives can affect everyday life, from housing affordability and public services to immigration policy, employment and the cost of living. The priorities raised during this campaign, particularly housing and the wider direction of Labour, are relevant to diaspora households trying to establish financial security and plan their futures in Britain. At Chijos News, we will continue to follow how the changing balance between Labour and the Greens translates into policies that affect Nigerian families, workers, students and business owners across the UK.
