Sagal Abdi-Wali, Labour's candidate for the Holborn and St Pancras by-election, is prioritising local issues in her campaign. The by-election, scheduled for 8 October, was called after the former Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, resigned from the constituency to focus on international affairs.
Ms Abdi-Wali, 42, previously served as the leader of Camden council. She has stated that her ambition is to become the Member of Parliament for the constituency, rather than seeking leadership of her party or the role of Prime Minister.
The candidate highlights her long-standing commitment to the area, stating, "All I've done, all my life, is be a committed champion for people here." She arrived in London in the early 90s after fleeing war in Somalia and moved to Gospel Oak at age seven. She joined the Labour party in 2015, motivated by a rise in homelessness around King's Cross.
Housing is a significant concern in the constituency, where 76% of residents rent. Ms Abdi-Wali is wary of rent controls, suggesting they may not be a solution for the majority, but believes all options should be considered to address the housing crisis.