By GB News (Politics) | Created at 2026-10-08 21:36:48 | Updated at 2026-10-08 22:28:58
1 hour ago
Polls have now closed in Holborn & St Pancras as Zack Polanski mounts his bid to enter the House of Commons.
Mr Polanski, who last stood in 2019 when he received just 728 votes in the Cities of London and Westminster, is hoping to overturn Sir Keir Starmer's 11,572 vote majority in the staunchly Labour-held seat.
The ex-Prime Minister resigned last month after admitting he was looking to focus his efforts on the world stage.
Labour opted to put forward local council leader Sagal Abdi-Wali as its candidate, while the Tories, Liberal Democrats, Reform UK and Restore Britain also fielded challengers in the seat.
The contest is regarded as a knife-edge battle between Labour and the Greens.
The result is expected to be declared between 3am and 4am.
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Zack Polanski's Green Party referred to EHRC over 'Zionism is racism' motion as ex-leader considers quitting
Zack Polanski's Green Party has been referred to the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) after voting in a "Zionism is racism" motion at their party's conference on Sunday.
The Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAA) group has referred the party on the basis that the Party has "discriminated against Jewish members and/or associates" and "continues to do so" contrary to sections of the Equality Act 2010.
Green Party members voted 1,022 to 813 and passed the motion, which defined "Zionism is racism" and adopted it without substantive amendment.
Party leader Zack Polanski did not take part in the vote but released a statement after the motion passed.
Zack Polanski's leadership on the brink as knife-edge race looms
Zack Polanski could take a 'huge hit' at the Holborn & St Pancras by-election
PA
Zack Polanski's leadership could take a huge hit of the Green Party leader fails to win in Holborn & St Pancras.
Mr Polanski, who is standing in his first parliamentary seat since 2019, was rocked with a deluge of resignations ahead of polls opening in the North London seat.
A conference motion on whether to define "Zionism as racism" triggered Mr Polanski's leadership instability, with Welsh Green deputy leader Phil Davies and Amnesty International UK chief Sandy Ruthven both tendering their respective resignations.
Despite speculation of a by-election defeat forcing Mr Polanski to quit, the Green leader remains adamant he will remain in place.
Speaking ahead of polling day, Mr Polanski said: “It doesn’t depend on it whatsoever… I think it’s probably 50-50 right now."
However, four out of five Green MPs oppose the "Zionism is racism" motion.
The party has since been reported to the Equality & Human Rights Commission.
Conservatives predict 'curtains' for Zack Polanski if Green leader loses by-election
The Conservatives have predicted it will be "curtains" for Green leader Zack Polanski as polls close in the Holborn & St Pancras by-election.
A Conservative Party spokesman said: "The Greens and Labour have tried to make this by-election about the Middle East and drive our communities apart.
"The Greens especially have descended into the sectarian gutter with their contemptible antisemitic Conference motion.
"Instead, Ewan Cameron has run a relentlessly positive campaign focused on the issues that really matter to voters in Holborn and St Pancras: crime, housing and the cost of living.
"If Zack Polanski fails to win this by-election, it will surely be curtains for his leadership of the party. We hope it also marks the end of the Green Party’s sorry embrace of antisemitism."
Greens release downbeat statement after by-election polls close
The Greens have issued their response to the polls closing in Holborn & St Pancras.
A Green Party spokesman said: "Zack would like to thank the thousands of volunteers who helped him in this campaign and the warm reception he received throughout the campaign from the people of Holborn and St Pancras.
"He would also like to pay tribute to Sagal, for a respectful campaign and for rising above the appalling racism she has had to endure. Despite our political differences, we stand in solidarity with you.
"Whatever the result later, we've run a positive campaign full of energy in what is one of Labour's safest seats. To be the main challenger shows how far the Greens have come.
"We know that many want to give the new Prime Minister a chance and for the Greens to keep them on a progressive track, on issues like rent controls, water nationalisation and the climate crisis.
"Whether we win or lose, this evening, keeping the pressure on the Labour government to deliver on these priorities will be our focus."
Labour issues immediate response to polls closing in Holborn & St Pancras
Labour has issued a response to the polls closing in Holborn & St Pancras.
Despite facing a threat from Green leader Zack Polanski, Education Secretary Lucy Powell said: "Our brilliant candidate Sagal Abdi-Wali and our fantastic Labour team have been telling our Labour story of hope.
"Sagal came to Britain as a child refugee, fleeing a war-torn country. Educated in great Labour Camden schools, she’s been giving back to her local community ever since.
"Sagal has campaigned positively on her plans to move Camden forwards, by ending rough sleeping, taking on vested interests in the water industry, and ensuring every young person has the opportunity they need to thrive.
"If the voters of Holborn and St. Pancras put their trust in Labour, I know that Sagal will work hard every day to make life better for each and every person across the constituency."
