Greens candidate in Starmer byelection
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The gist
Green Party leader Zack Polanski will stand in the Holborn and St Pancras byelection triggered by.
The contest tests Labour under new PM Andy Burnham against a surging Green challenge.
Background
Keir Starmer resigned as MP for Holborn and St Pancras after being ousted as prime minister, triggering a by-election. The Greens see this as a prime opportunity to challenge Labour in a seat where they have been gaining ground. Polanski, who has led the party for a year, is popular with members and has long signaled interest in becoming a London MP.
How it unfolded
- Sep 1, 2026Keir Starmer announced he was standing down as MP for Holborn and St Pancras, triggering a by-election.
- Sep 2, 2026Reports emerged that Zack Polanski was likely to stand; he was seen canvassing in the constituency and hinted at his candidacy.
- Sep 3, 2026Polanski confirmed he will stand, saying he can win and attacking Labour as the party of 'corporations and big money'.
Who’s saying what
- Greens
- Polanski says the Greens can win, offering voters a champion unafraid of big donors or the party whip.
- Labour
- Labour is expected to hold the seat given Starmer's 11,572 majority and polling, but faces a tougher challenge.
- Analysts
- Observers note Polanski is a formidable campaigner and the by-election will be a key test for new PM Andy Burnham.
Still unverified
Polanski's candidacy is subject to selection by the local party, though it is expected to be approved. Reports of his intention are based on anonymous sources and his own statements.