The Holborn and St Pancras by-election has ended in victory for Labour’s Sagal Abdi-Wali, who defeated Green Party leader Zack Polanski in a closely watched contest, as he insisted he would remain in his leadership position despite the setback.
Abdi-Wali secured 12,292 votes, while Polanski finished second with 8,928 votes, according to results reported by The Independent on Friday, October 9, 2026.
The result is a significant political setback for Polanski, who had campaigned vigorously to win the north London constituency previously represented by former prime minister and Labour leader Keir Starmer.
Although the Greens had hoped to capitalise on growing support for the party, Labour retained the seat, easing immediate pressure on Prime Minister Andy Burnham and dealing a blow to Polanski’s ambition to enter Parliament.
Holborn and St Pancras By-Election Results Put Labour Ahead
Labour’s victory was confirmed at approximately 3am on Friday after the overnight count, bringing an end to a contest that had attracted considerable attention because of the political standing of the candidates.
Abdi-Wali, who leads Camden Council, emerged victorious with 12,292 votes. Polanski secured 8,928 votes, finishing more than 3,300 votes behind the Labour candidate.
The election was widely regarded as a significant test for both parties. Labour faced pressure to retain a constituency associated with Starmer, while the Greens saw the contest as an opportunity to demonstrate their growing electoral strength.
Polanski had personally invested considerable effort in the campaign, making the defeat particularly disappointing for a party leader who had hoped to turn increased support into a parliamentary breakthrough.
Voter Turnout Remains Relatively Low
Turnout in the Holborn and St Pancras by-election stood at 38.76 per cent, considerably lower than the 54.46 per cent recorded during the 2024 general election in the constituency.
The turnout was also below the 47.62 per cent recorded in the Gorton and Denton by-election in February, when Green candidate Hannah Spencer defeated Labour to win the seat.
The figures highlight the challenges facing political parties attempting to convert public interest and campaign activity into actual votes.
Although the Greens had hoped to build on their earlier electoral successes, their candidate finished second behind Labour, leaving the party to assess the implications of the result.
Zack Polanski Vows to Remain Green Party Leader
Despite losing the parliamentary contest, Polanski immediately rejected suggestions that the defeat would force him to step aside as Green Party leader.
Speaking to reporters after the result was declared, he made his position clear.
“Of course I’m going to carry on as leader of the Green Party.”
His statement came amid growing questions about his leadership following the election defeat and disagreements within the party over a controversial conference motion declaring that “Zionism is racism”.
The controversy has exposed differences among Green Party figures over the motion and how the party should approach the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Polanski has maintained that the party remains a democratic organisation in which members can hold differing opinions, but critics have questioned his handling of the debate.
Polanski Says Members Will Decide His Future
Polanski acknowledged that his continued leadership would ultimately depend on Green Party members and the party’s scheduled leadership election next summer.
Asked about his prospects of being re-elected, he told Sky News:
“That’s going to be up to the members and that’s going to be up to the leadership election that happens next summer.”
He added that he had received encouraging responses from supporters despite the loss.
“What I’m experiencing, though, is an immense amount of people who are saying actually they’ve never been prouder to be a Green Party member.”
Polanski also acknowledged the difficulties associated with leading the party, saying: “It’s difficult being leader of any party, particularly the Green Party.”
However, he insisted that he remained prepared to continue in the role.
“But I signed up for that difficult job and I’m more than ready to continue.”
His comments indicate that he intends to defend his leadership rather than allow the by-election defeat to determine his political future.
Caroline Lucas Criticises Polanski Over Zionism Motion
The election result has intensified scrutiny of Polanski’s handling of internal disagreements, particularly following criticism from former Green Party leader Caroline Lucas.
Lucas questioned his decision not to participate in the debate and vote on the controversial “Zionism is racism” motion at the party’s annual conference in Brighton.
She described the motion as “dangerous” and “divisive”, while suggesting that Polanski should have demonstrated clearer leadership by taking part in the proceedings.
Lucas also indicated that the defeat could have consequences for Polanski, suggesting that developments in the coming days and weeks would be important in determining his political position.
Asked about her criticism, Polanski told Sky News:
“She’s still a significant figure, and she’s a member, as I am. There are 220,000 members, and we’re entitled to have different opinions.”
The exchange highlights the challenge facing Polanski as he attempts to maintain unity within a party whose membership has expanded significantly under his leadership.
Polanski Explains Why He Missed the Conference Vote
Polanski defended his decision not to attend the vote, arguing that he had prioritised the Holborn and St Pancras by-election campaign.
He said he had been concentrating on local concerns and responding to residents who wanted to see him campaigning in the constituency.
“There was a national by-election going on, one of the most important elections in our recent history and people in that election said they wanted to see me on the ground.”
He continued:
“They wanted to see me dealing with local issues, so I did exactly that.”
Asked whether he supported the motion, Polanski said:
“I would have supported the motion as amended. It wasn’t amended, so no.”
He added:
“Ultimately, I agree with the substance of the motion. Where I disagree is the idea the Green Party should be deciding what the future of the region looks like.”
His explanation has not ended the debate over whether he should have taken a clearer position during the conference proceedings.
Sagal Abdi-Wali Becomes Labour’s Newest MP
Abdi-Wali’s victory gives Labour a new representative for Holborn and St Pancras following Starmer’s departure from the constituency.
She has represented Camden Square as a councillor since 2022 and became leader of Camden Council in May, according to The Independent’s report.
Born in Somalia, Abdi-Wali arrived in the United Kingdom as a child refugee at the age of six. She has lived in the area since childhood, apart from a brief period away while attending university.
Her campaign placed significant emphasis on housing and local community concerns, seeking to appeal to residents through her experience in the borough.
Following her victory, Abdi-Wali said the result demonstrated the success of diversity in the area.
Her background and experience in local government formed part of her profile during a campaign that attracted national attention because of the high stakes for both Labour and the Greens.
The result gives Labour an opportunity to maintain its presence in the constituency while Abdi-Wali prepares to take her place in Parliament.
Polanski Says Andy Burnham Is Enjoying a Political Honeymoon
Despite the defeat, Polanski attempted to present the result as evidence that the Greens remained capable of making electoral gains.
In a video posted on social media, he acknowledged that winning the seat had been his objective but pointed to the party’s increased vote share.
“I’m not going to pretend that I didn’t want to win. That’s what you do in elections.”
He subsequently argued that Labour had benefited from a favourable political climate surrounding Burnham.
“But without a doubt, this is Andy Burnham’s honeymoon. And also, people told me on the doorsteps they want to give Andy Burnham a chance.”
He concluded:
“Well, he’s got that chance now.”
Polanski also rejected suggestions that contesting the by-election had been a mistake, describing the campaign as an opportunity to communicate the Green Party’s policies.
He cited proposals including rent controls, action on the climate crisis and the nationalisation of Thames Water.
“It’s been amazing to speak to people in Holborn and St Pancras. I’ve really enjoyed the last few weeks.”
His remarks suggest that he intends to use the campaign experience to strengthen the party, even though it failed to secure the parliamentary seat.
What the By-Election Means for Labour and the Greens
The Holborn and St Pancras by-election carries implications beyond the immediate result, particularly for Labour’s position and the Greens’ ambitions to expand their parliamentary representation.
For Labour, Abdi-Wali’s victory preserves the seat and offers a boost following the departure of Starmer from the constituency. The result also provides Burnham with an opportunity to consolidate his political position.
For the Greens, the defeat raises questions about whether growing membership and campaigning visibility can consistently translate into electoral victories.
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Polanski’s leadership is not automatically terminated by the result, but the combination of the defeat and internal disagreements could increase pressure on him before next summer’s leadership election.
The party’s membership has grown from approximately 55,000 to 60,000 when Polanski was campaigning for the leadership to around 220,000, according to his comments. He has presented that growth as evidence of renewed enthusiasm for the Greens.
Nevertheless, membership numbers alone do not guarantee electoral success. The party must also persuade voters to support its candidates in constituencies where Labour and other parties remain competitive.
The result leaves Polanski facing a difficult political period. He has ruled out stepping aside immediately, but his ability to unite the party and convert its growing support into parliamentary victories will remain central to the debate over his future.
For now, Labour has secured the Holborn and St Pancras seat, Abdi-Wali is set to enter Parliament, and Polanski has made clear that he intends to continue leading the Green Party despite his personal defeat.
