Polls have closed in the Holborn and St Pancras by-election, the contest to replace former Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer. Green Party leader Zack Polanski is standing in the north London constituency, a Labour stronghold.
Labour’s candidate, Camden Council leader Sagal Abdi-Wali, is the bookies’ favourite to win. The campaign has been difficult for Mr Polanski after the Green Party passed a controversial motion at its conference in Brighton asserting that “Zionism is racism”.
Polanski’s response to the motion
Mr Polanski, who abstained on the vote, later said that he will “not accept any exclusion, or refusal to engage with anyone, because of the religious or communal body they are part of”.
Labour’s reaction as polls close
Deputy Labour leader Lucy Powell praised Labour’s “story of hope” as polls closed. She said: “Our brilliant candidate Sagal Abdi-Wali and our fantastic Labour team have been telling our Labour story of hope.
“Sagal came to Britain as a child refugee, fleeing a war-torn country. Educated in great Labour Camden schools, she’s been giving back to her local community ever since.
“Sagal has campaigned positively on her plans to move Camden forwards, by ending rough sleeping, taking on vested interests in the water industry, and ensuring every young person has the opportunity they need to thrive.
“If the voters of Holborn and St. Pancras put their trust in Labour, I know that Sagal will work hard every day to make life better for each and every person across the constituency.”
