Zack Polanski seeks to stand for by-election in former PM Starmer's seat

Zack Polanski seeks to stand for by‑election in former PM Starmer's seat Green Party member Zack Polanski has confirmed he wants to contest the by‑election triggered by Sir Keir Starmer’s resignation as MP for Holborn and St Pancras. Polanski, who currently serves on the London Assembly but is not a Member of Parliament, said he is “so excited by the prospect” of becoming the first Green MP for the constituency. The Greens are targeting the seat, which has been a Labour stronghold, after finishing second to Labour in nationwide local elections earlier this year. Sir Keir announced on Tuesday that he was quitting as MP for the London constituency, two months after standing down as prime minister, setting up a challenging by‑election for his successor Andy Burnham. In comments to the Camden New Journal on Thursday morning, Polanski said: “I person lived and worked successful this assemblage implicit galore years, I cognize it good and I emotion it.” He continued: “It represents truthful galore of the things that marque London truthful special. I americium truthful excited by the imaginable of representing this spot successful Parliament.” He added: “It's a wide combat betwixt Labour and the Green Party.” The Green Party currently holds five seats in the House of Commons. To become the official Green candidate, Polanski must be selected by local party members—a step his remarks suggest will occur. Recent reports, however, indicate divisions among local Green activists, with some favouring a pro‑Gaza candidate. It remains uncertain whether Andrew Feinstein, the independent runner‑up to Sir Keir in the constituency at the 2024 general election, will also stand, a development that could split the vote. A date for the by‑election has not yet been set. Sir Keir had represented Holborn and St Pancras since 2015, but said he was stepping down to concentrate on a role in international affairs. The former prime minister had previously said he would remain an MP until the next UK general election, which is not scheduled until 2029. He described the move as the “right time” for him to “pass the baton to a successor”. “I volition present absorption connected different things and that volition beryllium planetary affairs including defence, security, commercialized and exertion successful a fast-changing world,” helium said, adding helium would besides proceed his enactment combatting unit against women and girls.” Sir Keir became prime minister after leading Labour to a landslide victory at the 2024 election, but resigned from Number 10 following pressure from Labour MPs to step aside. Labour has not yet chosen a candidate to potentially face Polanski, with applications closing on Friday.