Green leader Polanski loses seat in UK election defeat

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 9 Oct, 12:00 · Archive

Zack Polanski, leader of the UK Green Party, failed to win the Holborn and St Pancras seat in a special election won by Labour's Sagal Abdi-Wali.

Zack Polanski, leader of the UK Green Party, lost Thursday's special election for the Holborn and St Pancras seat. The seat was vacated by former prime minister Keir Starmer. Labour candidate Sagal Abdi-Wali won with 45 per cent of the vote, while Polanski received just under 33 per cent. Abdi-Wali, who came to Britain from Somalia as a child refugee, said she was honoured to represent an area that had given her opportunities in life. "I hope this moment also says something about who gets to belong," said Abdi-Wali, leader of Camden Council. "For people who look like me, I hope they see themselves reflected in this place and know that their path too belongs here."

Polanski was elected Green leader in 2025 on the understanding that he would seek a Commons seat and join the party's five MPs. Under his leadership, the Greens have grown rapidly, broadening their message beyond environmental concerns to issues including the cost of living, drug legalisation and support for the Palestinian cause. The party positioned itself as an alternative to Labour for left-liberal voters.

Polanski's campaign was overshadowed by the party's October decision to declare Zionism a form of racism. Some party members believe the Greens have moved too far from their environmentalist roots. His failure to win the seat raises questions about whether he can continue leading the party from outside the House of Commons.

Green leader Polanski loses seat in UK election defeat — Image: The West Australian

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How it is being reported

Green leader under pressure after UK poll defeatZack Polanski faces questions about his future as UK Green Party leader after failing to win a parliamentary seat from Andy Burnham's Labour government.The West Australian · 9 Oct, 11:21
Green leader under pressure after UK poll defeatZack Polanski faces questions about his future as UK Green Party leader after failing to win a parliamentary seat from Andy Burnham's Labour government.Perth Now · 9 Oct, 11:21

In this story: Zack Polanski · Sagal Abdi-Wali · UK Green Party · Labour Party · Holborn and St Pancras · Andy Burnham

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