Fifteen candidates vie in Holborn and St Pancras by-election

Fifteen candidates are contesting the Holborn and St Pancras by-election, with campaigns reaching their final stages. The candidates are focusing on a range of local and national issues, including job creation, housing, crime, and climate change.

Campaign Priorities

Ms Abdi-Wali, who was born in Somalia and arrived in Britain as a child refugee, is campaigning to attract more well-paid local jobs, improve housing, end rough sleeping, and secure more affordable utility bills. She stated, “Camden gave me everything. Now I want to give that back.”

Mr Polanski is advocating for increased action on climate change, inequality, and the cost of living. He expressed concern that a Labour victory might reduce the government's focus on these areas. "If Labour wins, that sends a signal that they don’t have to worry about caring about the climate, or what our communities need," he said. He added that his victory would ensure Labour addresses issues such as affordable housing and community safety.

Conservative candidate Mr Cameron stated that families are being priced out of the constituency and criticised the Labour government for failing to resolve the housing crisis. He also spoke about the importance of home ownership for security and community strength, and vowed to vote against a mansion tax on homes valued at £2 million or more, and to scrap Stamp Duty.

Reform's candidate Mr Newman highlighted the closure of three police front counters in Holborn, Albany Street, and King's Cross Road since 2010. He called for a zero-tolerance approach to crime, visible police presence, and 24/7 police station access for the public. Mr Newman also stated, “I’ve restored lawless London once before and led the Met’s work to return Westminster to normality after the 7/7 bombings.”

The Workers Party of Britain leader stressed the need to "unite our people on vital national priorities and end division along identity politics." He described the current situation as being presided over by "a rotten establishment of losers in danger of sinking our ship with the loss of all hands," and called for "an experienced steady hand on the tiller."

Local Concerns

Mr Newman also commented on poverty and insecure housing within the borough, stating, "It's simply not good enough that there are people in Camden in poverty, people in our borough who live in insecure or unsafe housing, or whose kids can’t find work or whose parents are scared of losing theirs."

The candidates' campaigns reflect a broad spectrum of concerns within the Holborn and St Pancras constituency, touching on economic stability, public safety, and environmental issues.