Sagal Abdi-Wali elected MP for Holborn and St Pancras

Sagal Abdi-Wali has been elected as the new Member of Parliament for Holborn and St Pancras, following a by-election held on Thursday. The Labour candidate, who also serves as the leader of Camden Council, secured 45% of the vote. The result was announced just after 3:00 AM on Friday at Camden's offices in King's Cross.

Green Party's Strong Showing

The Green Party, represented by their leader Zack Polanski, achieved close to 33% of the vote. This marks a significant increase, as reported by BBC London, tripling their vote share from the 2024 general election when they secured 10%. Their performance represents their second-best result in a Westminster by-election.

Polanski told journalists that while the party did not win, many voters expressed a desire to give the new Prime Minister a chance. He also highlighted the Green Party's focus on issues such as rent controls, climate change, and the nationalisation of Thames Water.

Voter Turnout and Other Results

The turnout for the by-election was 38.6%, which is lower than the 54% recorded during the 2024 general election. The Conservative Party finished in third place, ahead of Reform UK. This is the first time the Conservatives have beaten Reform UK in an English by-election during the current Parliament, according to BBC London.

Abdi-Wali, who arrived in the UK as a child refugee from Somalia, told BBC London that her election sends a message of belonging. She indicated that housing and bringing Thames Water into public ownership would be priorities in Parliament. She stated that building more social and affordable homes is the only way to address the housing crisis.

Following Abdi-Wali's election, the Labour Party in Camden will need to select a new council leader. Zack Polanski may also face further questions regarding his leadership of the Green Party.