Sagal Abdi-Wali, the first British-Somali woman to be elected as an MP in the UK, has promised to give back to the community that welcomed her family as refugees. She will enter Parliament on Monday as the first woman to serve the people of Holborn and St. Pancras in the Commons.
A journey from Somalia to Westminster
Abdi-Wali arrived in the UK from Somalia as a refugee in the 1990s. She said the stability the country offered meant she could go to school, make friends and grow up feeling part of a vibrant community.
Her mother involved the family in neighbourhood activities from an early age. "I was taught from a young age about the importance of volunteering and contributing back into our community, seeing my mum do so – and taking me along to help too," she wrote. The family wanted to repay the "incredible opportunity and kindness" they received.
Fighting for Camden and a fairer future
Abdi-Wali described being elected as "the greatest honour of my life" and said she will fight for Camden and for a better country. She praised the Labour campaign in Holborn and St. Pancras, saying it showed the best of Britain's communities.
She highlighted Andy Burnham's recent conference speech as giving Britain hope for a fairer future, and said she is thrilled to join him on the Green benches to help deliver a shared plan for Camden and the country.
Call for greater public control of water
In August, a Thames Water main burst in her constituency, flooding a main road with a foot of water and trapping customers and business owners for hours. Firefighters supplied sandbags, and Camden Council teams cleared debris.
Abdi-Wali noted that customers have faced recent bill hikes while Thames shareholders have received nearly £200 million in recent years. She called for greater public control of the water industry, arguing that "profit will just carry on being put before people" if nothing changes.
Football, Spurs and a by-election win
Abdi-Wali grew up playing football, setting up a girls' team with friends from diverse backgrounds. As a Spurs fan, she said partnering with Arsenal in the Community gave her a chance to flex her diplomacy skills. She admitted she "definitely wasn't complacent" about winning the by-election on Thursday.
She also criticised Reform UK's internal report into its donation scandal, calling it "a complete whitewash" and saying it is time the party "came clean with the public".
