Holborn and St Pancras by-election - live: Polanski’s Greens beaten by Labour in Starmer’s old seat

Holborn and St Pancras by-election - live: Polanski’s Greens beaten by Labour in Starmer’s old seat Sagal Abdi-Wali, a former child refugee from Somalia, defeated Zack Polanski after a seismic by-election sparked by the former PM Keir Starmer quitting as an MP Sagal Abdi-Wali is the new Labour MP for Holborn and St Pancras. Labour's candidate Sagal Abdi-Wali, a former child refugee from Somalia, beat Green Party leader Zack Polanski in the Holborn and St Pancras by-election in London. Voter turnout was 38.76%, with 27,309 ballots cast. This is a significant drop from 2024's general election, when 56,786 voted. The new Holborn and St Pancras MP beat the Green Party leader in the contest, winning 12,292 votes, beating Mr Polanski on 8,928. Follow live updates below... Key Events Polanski vows to carry on as Greens leader after by-election defeat “Of course I can carry on as leader of the Green Party,” Polanski said when asked about a potential threat to his leadership after the loss. “Of course, I wanted to win. No-one runs an election to lose,” he said, but added that people on the doorstep had been excited about his plans for rent controls, tackling the climate crisis and nationalising Thames Water. “Of course, we didn’t get over the line, but the point here is that ultimately, I want to make sure those were the options that people have. “So many people told me on the doorstep, so they want to give Andy Burnham a chance. Well, he’s got a chance now. Let’s see what he does with it.” Labour's new MP declares 'diversity is our strength' in winning speech Sagal Abdi-Wali said her victory was a testament to the success of diversity in the borough. She said she wanted to bring Thames Water into public ownership, tackle rough sleeping, and create more opportunities for young people. Ms Abdi-Wali, who is also the leader of Camden Council, said: “I hope this moment also says something about who gets to belong, for people who look like me, I hope they see themselves reflected in this place and know that their path too belongs here. This is Camden, and this is Britain.” . Labour congratulate Sagal Abdi-Wali Sagal Abdi-Wali leaves the count Sagal Abdi-Wali has finally left the count, having been swamped by supporters desperate for a selfie with Labour's newest MP. She is expected to have a victory rally in a few short hours, before being sworn in as an MP next week. The venue is now just the last remaining journalists, and security who can't leave until we do. Zack Polanski vows to continue on as leader Zack Polanski has vowed to continue on as leader, despite the result. Asked by Sky News if he would stay on, Mr Polanski said: “Yes absolutely, that’s what leaders do.” He said: “I don’t think it was a mistake at all, I think it has been an opportunity to present Green Party values, to talk about rent controls, tackling the climate crisis, nationalising Thames Water, it’s been amazing to speak to people in Holborn and St Pancras, I’ve really enjoyed that.” IN PICTURES: Candidates leaving the venue Greens insist they're 'here to stay' Speaking after the result, a Green Party Spokesperson insisted it was a positive defeat. They said: "Achieving a huge swing in one of Labour’s safest seats – an increase of 22% in vote share since the General Election – is an incredible result for the Green Party, and during a honeymoon period for the new PM. "We are disappointed to miss out tonight but any ideas of a return to the cosy two party system is just wishful thinking on the part of the establishment. We are here to stay and just getting started." Holborn and St Pancras by-election vote count in full - Sagal Abdi-Wali (Lab) 12,292 - Zack Polanski (Green) 8,928 - Ewan Cameron (C) 1,922 - Peter Newman (Reform) 1,612 - Patrick Stillman (LD) 924 - Tyler Johnson (Restore) 692 - George Galloway (WPB) 314 - Briony Kapoor (Rejoin) 236 - Barmy Brunch (Loony) 87 - Helen Spiby-Vann (CPA) 63 - Clare Fischer (Climate) 51 - Ben Walker (UKIP) 51 - Ketankumar Pipaliya (Voice) 23 - Jonathan Silberman (Comm Lge) 9 - Tom Darwood (ND) 7 Sagal Abdi-Wali pays tribute to Keir Starmer after by-election win Sagal Abdi-Wali had paid tribute to Keir Starmer after her by-election win. She said: "I want to take a moment to recognise and thank the brilliant MPs who represented Holborn and St Pancras previously before this moment. "The late, great Frank Dobson, who served this community with immense dedication and conviction. And Keir Starmer, who built on that legacy, representing this constituency for more than a decade, leading our party from opposition to government." Sagal Abdi-Wali vows to fight for everyone Sagal Abdi-Wali vows to fight for everyone, regardless of whether they voted for her. Speaking after the victory, she said: "Whether you voted for me or not, my commitment to this community runs deep. I promise that I will work every day to do whatever I can, and all I can, to improve your life and to improve the life of you and your family." Winner announced Labour’s candidate in Keir Starmer's old seat has beaten Zack Polanski to win the Holborn and St Pancras by-election. The new Holborn and St Pancras MP beat the Green Party leader in the contest, winning 12,292 votes, beating Mr Polanski on 8,928. Read the full story here. Sagal Abdi-Wali arrives A smiling Sagal Abdi-Walli has arrived, and is now just moments away from being confirmed as the new MP for Holborn and St Pancras. Candidates have been asked to go to the second floor, where they will be told the result, then make their way to the stage for the formal announcement. Still no sign of Labour's winner After much excitement over an imminent arrival, the chatter has built up again as we wait for Sagal Abdi-Wali to arrive. One journalist, who has been stood by the door for nearly an hour, throws himself down and declares he "can't be bothered waiting anymore". It surely can't be much longer. Zack Polanski arrives Zack Polanski has arrived at the count, but not come through the main entrance to face journalists and the cameras. The Green Party leader is likely being briefed before he arrives for the formal result. Former child refugee set to become Labour MP A former child refugee from Somalia is about to become an MP.Sagal Abdi-Wali has faced racism both online and in person since she was named as the candidate, and this win is a reminder that those voices do not represent this constituency, or Britain. Greens concede by-election The Greens have conceded the by-election, and Zack Polanski has lost. A spokesman says: "It is clear now we will come a close second in this by-election. Taking the fight to Labour in one of its safest seats shows just how far the Greens have come." First serious candidate arrives There is a frenzy of activity as a candidate arrives to the count, with applause from supporters. Journalists rush over, then turn back around once they realise it's the Tories. Labour expecting to win by-election Labour sources have been coy throughout this contest, playing down their chances and insisting victory was not a given. One compared it to a football match, explaining it was a 0-0 until a goal was scored. However, as we get closer to the count, that expectation management has turned into excitement as they prepare to hold a seat that's never not been Labour. Results expected within the hour The Mirror's Assistant Political Editor Alexander Brown here... We are expecting a result within an hour here, which could be down to the low turnout or the scale of the win. Candidates are expected to arrive shortly, and broadcasters are preparing to film arrivals, which can only mean one thing...a new MP will be confirmed soon, perhaps even by 2.30am Greens say they have highest ever London vote share The Greens say they have managed their highest ever vote share in a London constituency, in general elections or byelections. This does not mean they've won, but does mean they can frame the result as success even if they lose. Still no update on time of result Broadcasters have started to arrive at the count, having filmed when polls closed then disappeared, but we still don't have an updated time for the result. Presenters being here is usually a good sign, but Labour and the Greens are still keeping quiet on when we might have a winner. Labour beat the Greens in by-election...in Lambeth council seat Confirmation Labour has beaten the Greens...in the Myatt’s Fields by-election in Lambeth this evening. The party says Greens came in second despite putting significant resources into winning the seat. Tories hope to beat Lib Dems to fourth The Mirror's Assistant Political Editor Alexander Brown hereThe Tories have no chance of winning this seat, but that hasn't dampened the mood among their activists. One tells me they might keep their deposit, and may have also pushed the Lib Dems down into fourth. Voter turnout falls significantly Voter turnout in Holborn and St Pancras is 38.76%, with 27,309 ballots cast. This is a significant drop from 2024's general election, when 56,786 voted. Latest pictures from the count Vote counting underway One of the ballot counting teams have finished verification. They were the first of 12 teams to do, and will now begin counting ballots while the other teams continue verification. The count is split over two floors here, with representatives from various parties overseeing how the ballots are counted. We’re expecting a result in the early hours of the morning. Green party had over 1000 activists on the ground A Green Party source says they had over 1000 activists on the ground today, and defends Zack Polanski's leadership. They say: "Zack has shown he has energised this party and will continue to do so. He not only is putting key issues that voters care about on the agenda but he is making a Labour government shift position as well. This is just a taste of British politics between now and the next General Election." Labour had leafleters outside 21 primary school gates The Mirror's Assistant Political Editor Alexander Brown says: "Labour has always prided itself on its ground game in their party strongholds, and Holborn and St Pancras is no different. "I am told Labour had leafleters outside 21 primary school gates today - that's every primary in the constituency that isn't a polling station. "The party were also at most tube stations, had people in high vis jackets campaining on street corners, and before today, had well over a thousand volunteers." Caroline Lucas says 'the jury is out' during Question Time appearance Caroline Lucas, the former Green leader, has refused to say if Zack Polanski should resign over his handling over the “zionism is racism’ motion at the party’s conference. Appearing on Newsnight, she said: "I want him to speak now about what's happened, I want him to show the leadership that was frankly missing on Sunday. I think the jury is out about whether he will do that - but I very much hope he will." Climate party takes aim at Zack Polanski An environmental row has broken out at the count, with Ed Gemmell, leader of the Climate Party, approaching journalists to attack Zack Polanski for not being Green enough. Offering all the hacks who would listen a statement, he said: "He has rowed back on the Greens' tradition of being extremely environmental over this last period. "We want to make a statement, and that is that if you are like that, we will keep standing wherever you're standing and take the vital votes away that you need to win.