Zack Polanski, the leader of the Green Party, has been selected to stand as the party's candidate in the Holborn and St Pancras by-election on 8 October. The seat became vacant this month following the announcement by former Prime Minister Keir Starmer that he was leaving parliament.
Polanski has acknowledged that the Greens are considered underdogs in the contest. Labour won the seat with a majority exceeding 11,000 in the 2024 general election. Labour has selected Camden council leader Sagal Abdi-Wali as its candidate.
Some within Labour are reportedly concerned about the potential impact of upcoming oil and gas announcements on the campaign. Industry sources anticipate the government may approve the Jackdaw gasfield as early as next week, though an announcement regarding the Rosebank oilfield is expected to be delayed until after the by-election.