Holborn and St Pancras by-election: Nine candidates confirmed

Nine candidates have been confirmed to stand in the Holborn and St Pancras by-election on October 8. The by-election follows the resignation of Sir Keir Starmer, who had held the seat for the Labour Party since 1983. The constituency covers large parts of Camden, including areas such as Covent Garden, Bloomsbury, Camden Town, Regent's Park, and Kentish Town.

The Candidates

Sagal Abdi-Wali will represent the Labour Party. She has been the leader of Camden Council since May 2026 and previously held cabinet positions for housing and adult social care. Elected to represent Camden Square ward in 2022, she has also worked as a council officer and served as a governor for two local schools. Ms Abdi-Wali has stated her priority will be housing, families, and children, aiming to build on her record of investment in social homes. She said: 'Camden gave my family a home, hope, and opportunity when we needed it most. I want every child growing up here and every family who calls this place home to have that same security and opportunity.'

Zack Polanski, the leader of the Green Party, is standing for his party. Ewan Cameron, a former Camden councillor, is the Conservative & Unionist Party candidate. George Galloway is standing for the Workers Party of Great Britain. Clare Fischer is the candidate for the Climate Party, and Briony Kapoor is standing for the Rejoin EU party. Peter Philippe Newman, a former Metropolitan Police Commander, is the Reform UK candidate. Tyler Johnson is the candidate for Restore Britain, and Barmy Brunch is running for the Monster Raving Loony Party.

The deadline for candidate nominations was Tuesday, September 15 at 4pm. The contest is seen as a significant battle between the Labour Party and the Green Party.

Background to the Election

The Holborn and St Pancras constituency has been a Labour stronghold since its creation in 1983. Sagal Abdi-Wali, as leader of Camden Council, has experience in local governance, having previously overseen housing and adult social care portfolios. Her campaign focuses on affordable housing and support for families. Ewan Cameron, the Conservative candidate, has highlighted the need for safer streets, more family homes, and a focus on the cost of living. George Galloway, representing the Workers Party of Great Britain, has stated his party will focus on wages, housing, energy, peace, public services, and national renewal.

Clare Fischer of the Climate Party aims to lead the UK towards economic revival and increased prosperity through a commitment to net zero by 2030, while restoring nature and protecting waterways. Briony Kapoor, standing for Rejoin EU, aims to give a voice to those who favour EU membership and to protest the lack of attention given to the issue by major parties. Peter Philippe Newman, a former Metropolitan Police Commander, has experience in crime reduction and counter-terrorism. Tyler Johnson, the Restore Britain candidate, is a corporate lawyer. Barmy Brunch is the candidate for the Monster Raving Loony Party.