Pro-Palestine Greens challenge Labour’s grip on Starmer’s former seat | Elections News
London, United Kingdom – A meeting hosted by the Camden Muslim Network in London showcased candidates from the Green Party and the Liberal Democrats on Monday, as they gathered to address local residents in anticipation of a high-stakes by-election. Notably absent were candidates from the Labour Party and the Conservative Party.
Labour candidate Sagal Abdi Wali, who identifies as a Somali-Muslim woman, explained to The Guardian that she could not attend due to a prior commitment and that the invitation arrived too late. However, the Camden Muslim Network countered her claim, asserting that the invitation was extended well in advance.
Fifteen candidates are vying for the seat previously held by former Prime Minister Keir Starmer, including Green Party leader Zack Polanski, who is seeking a parliamentary position. Historically, the Labour Party has retained this seat in Holborn and St Pancras since it was established in 1983. Starmer was first elected in 2015 and held the position until his resignation prompted the current by-election.
During the meeting, discussions ranged from local housing issues to the ongoing conflict in Israel and Palestine. Liberal Democrat candidate Patrick Stillman noted that his party has long advocated for Palestinian statehood, yet he refrained from endorsing a complete boycott of Israel. In contrast, Polanski criticized Labour’s stance on the conflict, receiving applause for stating that the party’s approach was “deeply cynical” and advocating for a full boycott of Israel.
The Green Party’s outreach included leaflets distributed to constituents that emphasized Abdi-Wali’s tenure as a Labour councillor and her recent election as leader of Camden Council in May. One leaflet urged residents to “Bring change, Replace Labour, Vote Green,” while another highlighted that Labour councillors did not sign a pledge in support of Palestine or back pension fund divestment from companies linked to Israeli actions.
In an interview with the Camden New Journal, Abdi-Wali defended her party’s record on Palestine, asserting it was “obviously inaccurate” to claim Labour did not take the matter seriously. She emphasized a focus on reporting government actions regarding the conflict.
In January, a local advocacy group, Camden Friends of Palestine, submitted a petition with over 4,000 signatures to the council, urging divestment from firms complicit in the occupation of Palestinian territories. While Abdi-Wali was then Labour councillor, she did not support the motion, which ultimately resulted in a referral to the pension review board rather than immediate action.
Local resident and CFOP organizer Shadin expressed disappointment in Abdi-Wali’s political engagement, questioning her commitment to issues unless it aligns with her career aspirations. She provided insight into the broader sentiment, noting that many individuals have disengaged from mainstream politics in light of recent events.
Housing remains a significant concern in the constituency. According to Camden Council’s “2026 state of the borough” report, approximately 8,380 households were on the waiting list for social housing as of March 2025, marking a 9.5 percent increase from the previous year.
In Primrose Hill, a more affluent area of the constituency, local residents shared divergent views on the upcoming election, with some expressing intentions to vote for Labour while others felt that regardless of the outcome, no substantial change would occur.
As Labour canvassers worked to engage residents, some individuals reported being unaware of the by-election. Recent polls indicate a competitive landscape, with predictions suggesting a close race ahead.
In the 2024 general election, Starmer secured the seat with 49 percent of the vote, while pro-Palestine independent candidate Andrew Feinstein garnered 19 percent. Both the British gambling firm Ladbrokes and polling organization Stats for Lefties foresee a Labour victory in the by-election.
