The Greens Are Targeting the Constituency, a Labour Stronghold, After Finishing Second to Labour in Local Elections There Earlier This Year

Green Party leader Zack Polanski has confirmed he wants to stand in the by-election triggered by Sir Keir Starmer's resignation as MP for the London constituency of Holborn and St Pancras. Polanski, who is currently a London Assembly member but not a member of Parliament, said he was "so excited by the prospect" of becoming the first Green MP for the seat. The Greens are targeting the constituency, a Labour stronghold, after finishing second to Labour in local elections there earlier this year.

In comments to the Camden New Journal on Thursday morning, Polanski said: "I have lived and worked in this community over many years, I know it well and I love it. It represents so many of the things that make London so special. I am so excited by the prospect of representing this place in Parliament." He added: "It's a clear fight between Labour and the Green Party.

To officially become the Green candidate, Polanski must be selected by local party members. However, there have been reports of splits among local Green activists, some of whom are said to favour a pro-Gaza candidate. It is also unclear whether Andrew Feinstein, the independent runner-up to Sir Keir in the constituency at the 2024 general election, will stand, which could split the vote.

A date has not yet been set for the by-election. Sir Keir had been MP for the area since 2015 but said he was quitting to focus on a role in international affairs. The former prime minister had previously said he would stay on as an MP until the next UK general election, due in 2029." He said it was the "right time" to "pass the baton to a successor", adding: I will now focus on other things and that will be international affairs including defence, security, trade and technology in a fast-changing world.

He also said he would continue his work combatting violence against women and girls. Sir Keir became prime minister after winning a landslide majority at the 2024 election but quit No 10 after pressure from Labour MPs to stand aside. Labour has not yet decided its candidate to potentially take on Polanski, with applications closing on Friday.

Sir Keir announced on Tuesday he was quitting as MP, two months after standing down as prime minister, setting up a challenging by-election for his successor Andy Burnham. He had been MP for the area since 2015.