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Zack Polanski, the leader of the Green Party, has announced his intention to stand in the upcoming by-election triggered by Sir Keir Starmer’s resignation as an MP. Polanski, who currently serves as a member of the London Assembly but has not yet been elected to Parliament, expressed his enthusiasm about potentially becoming the first Green MP for Holborn and St Pancras. The constituency has historically been a Labour stronghold, but recent local election results, where the Greens came in second, suggest a rise in support for Polanski’s party.
The by-election has been called following Sir Keir Starmer’s departure from his role as the MP for the London constituency, a move announced two months after he stepped down as prime minister. This development sets the stage for a competitive contest, with Andy Burnham, Sir Keir’s successor, facing a significant challenge in holding the seat for Labour. Polanski indicated his deep connection to the area, stating to the Camden New Journal, “I have lived and worked in this community over many years, I know it well and I love it.” He characterized the contest as a direct battle between Labour and the Greens.
Despite an official candidate selection by the local Green Party still pending a decision expected next week, Polanski has already been campaigning within the constituency. Speaking with the BBC, he highlighted the Greens’ momentum following a strong performance in the May local elections, adding, “This is somewhere we can win.” He also revealed his ambition to become the sixth Green MP to effectively challenge Labour’s Andy Burnham in Parliament. However, his candidacy comes amid reports of divisions within local Green activists, some of whom reportedly favor a Palestinian candidate or a pro-Gaza independent.
Andrew Feinstein, who came second to Sir Keir Starmer in the most recent general election, has indicated support for Polanski by ruling out his own candidacy. Feinstein shared on X, “Unfortunately I am not in a position to stand this time round,” and mentioned that the Camden People’s Alliance will convene next week to determine its stance. With no firm by-election date announced yet, the contest is seen as a critical early test of Labour’s ability to fend off the Green Party in inner-city areas. Polanski has emphasized that a Green win would send “a clear message that we won’t sit by as we get poorer and extreme wealth is concentrated at the very top.” Meanwhile, Polanski continues to serve on the London Assembly, a 25-member body responsible for scrutinizing the policies of the mayor of London
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