Polanski targets Starmer's former seat in Green by-election challenge

Zack Polanski, the leader of the Green Party, has confirmed his intention to stand in the by-election triggered by Sir Keir Starmer's resignation as MP for Holborn and St Pancras, setting up a potentially seismic contest in the former prime minister's London heartland. Polanski, who currently sits on the London Assembly but is not a member of Parliament, told the Camden New Journal he was "so excited by the prospect" of becoming the first Green MP for the constituency, adding that he has "lived and worked in this community over many years, I know it well and I love it."

The Greens are targeting the seat, a Labour stronghold since 2015, after coming second to the party in local elections earlier this year. Polanski, who has already been campaigning in the constituency despite a formal selection process not concluding until next week, described the contest as a "clear fight between Labour and the Green Party." In an interview with the BBC, he said: "We had a huge surge here in May. This is somewhere we can win," expressing his ambition to become the Greens' sixth MP and "challenge Burnham constructively."

Sir Keir's resignation, announced on Tuesday two months after he stood down as prime minister, came despite his earlier indication that he would remain an MP until the next general election, due in 2029. He cited a desire to focus on international affairs and to "pass the baton to a successor." His departure presents an early test for his successor, Andy Burnham, in defending a constituency where the Green threat is most acute, with the by-election date yet to be set.

While Polanski is the frontrunner for the Green nomination, reports suggest some local activists favour a Palestinian candidate or a pro-Gaza independent, indicating potential internal divisions. Andrew Feinstein, the independent runner-up to Sir Keir in the 2024 general election, has ruled out standing again but appeared to back Polanski, writing on X that "this is a crucial time for progressives in Camden and across the country to be united." Labour has yet to select its candidate, with applications closing on Friday. A victory for Polanski would deliver a significant blow to Labour and fulfil the Green leader's oft-stated ambition of replacing the party in inner-city constituencies, sending a "clear message that we won't sit by as we get poorer and extreme wealth is concentrated at the very top," he said.