Polls have opened in the Holborn and St Pancras by-election, with voters choosing a new MP to replace Sir Keir Starmer in the north London seat.
Labour has held the constituency since 1983. Sir Keir represented it from May 2015 until he resigned last month after being ousted from Downing Street by Andy Burnham.
Main contenders and campaign claims
Green Party leader Zack Polanski has not ruled out a shock victory, describing the contest as “close”. Labour’s candidate, Sagal Abdi-Wali, has told voters: “I know there is lots to do, but I’m determined to deliver for you, and ask for your backing today.”
There are 15 candidates in total, including representatives from all mainstream political parties. Independent and smaller parties, such as the Climate Party and the Communist League, are also fielding candidates. George Galloway, who has run his campaign from self-imposed “exile” in South Africa, is standing as well.
Voting details and candidate list
Polling stations are open from 7am until 10pm. Camden council has published a list of all 31 polling stations where residents can vote.
The 15 candidates are:
- Sagal Abdi-Wali - Labour Party
- Barmy Brunch - Official Monster Raving Loony Party
- Ewan Cameron - The Conservative Party
- Tom Darwood - Independent
- Clare Fischer - Climate Party
- George Galloway - Workers Party
- Tyler Kurtis Johnson - Restore Britain
- Briony Anne Lonbay Kapoor - Rejoin EU
- Peter Newman - Reform UK
- Ketankumar Pipaliya - UK VOICE safer and stronger UK
- Zack Polanski - The Green Party
- Jonathan Silberman - Communist League
- Helen Spiby-Vann - Christian Peoples Alliance
- Patrick Thomas Stillman - Liberal Democrats
- Ben Walker - UKIP - NO to Illegal Immigration
The result is expected in the early hours of Friday, and will be seen as a key test for Labour and the Greens.
