Green Party leader Zack Polanski has confirmed he is interested in becoming the party’s candidate for the forthcoming by-election in Holborn & St Pancras, setting up a potentially fierce contest for Keir Starmer’s former parliamentary seat.
Polanski said he had strong personal ties to the constituency and would be excited to represent its residents in Parliament.
His comments amount to the clearest indication yet that the Green leader intends to put his name forward.
Polanski Pitches Himself as Local Champion
Speaking to the Camden New Journal, Polanski highlighted his longstanding connection with the area and argued that the constituency reflects many of the qualities that make London distinctive.
He said he had “lived and worked” in the community for many years and knew it well, adding that he was excited about the possibility of representing it in Westminster.
Polanski also presented the potential campaign as an opportunity to challenge what he described as years of political failure to improve living standards.
The Green leader argued that voters could elect an MP who would put their interests ahead of corporate influence, saying he would not be intimidated by major donors or constrained by the party whip.
Greens See Opportunity in Labour Stronghold
Labour has held Holborn & St Pancras since the constituency was created in 1983, securing at least 40 per cent of the vote at every general election.
However, Starmer’s majority fell sharply at the 2024 election.
His winning margin stood at around 11,000 votes, compared with the 27,763 majority he recorded in 2019.
The reduction has encouraged the Greens to believe they could mount a serious challenge, particularly following strong performances in parts of Camden.
Gaza Issue Could Complicate Green Strategy
Despite Polanski’s apparent interest, there are signs that his candidacy may not be universally welcomed within the local Green organisation.
Some local Greens are reportedly pushing for the party to support a British Palestinian candidate or a pro-Gaza independent instead.
The issue could become an important factor in determining how the Greens approach a constituency where Palestine was already a politically sensitive issue during the 2024 campaign.
Independent candidate Andrew Feinstein won 18.9 per cent of the vote in 2024, but his apparent reluctance to contest the by-election could give the Greens greater room to expand their support.
Camden Results Offer Greens Encouragement
The political landscape in Camden has also shifted since the last general election.
Labour retained control of Camden Council at the local elections in May, but its representation fell considerably, with the party winning 30 of the 55 seats contested compared with 47 in 2022.
The Greens secured 11 seats, including seven in areas covered by Holborn & St Pancras.
One of those Green seats has since returned to Labour following a by-election.
Those results have nevertheless strengthened the argument among Greens that the constituency is increasingly competitive.
Labour Faces Internal Candidate Battle
Labour is also preparing for what could become an unusually difficult selection process as it seeks to defend the seat.
The party reportedly wants its candidate confirmed by next Wednesday, with the by-election potentially being held as early as October 1 or October 8.
Former foreign secretary David Miliband had been mentioned as a possible Labour comeback candidate, although he now appears to have ruled out standing.
Tulip Siddiq Warns Against Parachuting Candidates
The contest has already triggered tensions within Labour, with questions emerging over who should be allowed to seek the nomination.
Tulip Siddiq, the former MP for neighbouring Hampstead and Highgate and a close ally of Starmer, criticised potential candidates from outside Camden seeking a route into the contest.
Writing on X, Siddiq warned prospective hopefuls that those who had not participated in the local elections should think twice before approaching her for assistance with a campaign in Holborn & St Pancras.
Her intervention underlines the pressure facing Labour as it attempts to select a candidate capable of defending a seat that has historically been regarded as safe but has become considerably more competitive.
Starmer’s Departure Opens Sudden Contest
The by-election was triggered by Starmer’s decision to leave the Commons immediately, despite previously pledging to remain as an MP until the end of the current Parliament.
His departure has created an early electoral test for Labour leader Andy Burnham and the party’s recent polling momentum.
For the Greens, Polanski’s potential candidacy offers a high-profile opportunity to turn their growing presence in Camden into a breakthrough at Westminster.
But with local disagreements already emerging over the party’s preferred candidate and its stance on Gaza, the battle for Holborn & St Pancras could prove more complicated than the initial contest between Labour and the Greens suggests.
