Green Party’s Zack Polanski vows to upset Holborn & St Pancras
Zack Polanski, the Green Party leader, is determined to win the Holborn & St Pancras by‑election, a seat long held by Labour. He cites recent successes and council gains as proof that the Greens can defy expectations. The campaign will test whether the party can translate national momentum into a W…
By Felo News Desk · Published
Zack Polanski, the Green Party’s national leader, has publicly declared his intention to win the Holborn & St Pancras by‑election, a seat that has been a Labour stronghold since 1983. In a candid interview with the Daily Standard, Polanski admitted he is the underdog but insisted that the party’s recent surge in popularity could turn the tide. He described the upcoming contest as “one of the biggest upsets in British political history.”
From Surprises to Successes
Polanski pointed to the party’s performance in the 2024 general election and the May council elections as evidence that the Greens are capable of breaking through. In 2024, the Greens won four parliamentary seats—Bristol Central, North Herefordshire, Waveney Valley and Brighton Pavilion—despite pre‑poll predictions that they would struggle. Earlier this year, the party secured a fifth MP, Hannah Spencer, in a by‑election in Gorton and Denton, again defying expectations.
At the May council elections, the Greens made sweeping gains across London, taking control of six town halls that had previously been under Labour. These victories signalled a shift in local politics and suggested that the party’s message was resonating with voters who felt disillusioned with traditional parties.
Holborn & St Pancras: A Long‑Standing Labour Seat
Holborn & St Pancras has been represented by Labour since 1983. In the 2024 general election, Sir Keir Starmer won the seat with a majority of more than 11,500 votes. The area is known for its diverse population, high housing costs and a strong tradition of left‑wing politics. The by‑election, triggered by the resignation of former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, is therefore seen as a significant test for the Greens.
Polanski acknowledged the seat’s status as “supposedly safe” for Labour, but highlighted growing concerns among voters. He noted that many residents feel that Labour’s policies on housing, rent controls and leasehold reform have not kept pace with the cost of living. “People are hearing that Labour has tired, old ideas that aren’t meeting this moment,” he said, adding that the Greens offer fresh solutions.
Campaign Strategy and Party Dynamics
While the Greens are holding their annual political conference in Brighton from October 2 to 4, Polanski has chosen to skip the event to focus on the campaign. He urged activists to do the same, offering refunds and online voting options for those who had already paid. “I won’t be in Brighton for very long because I want to win an election,” he explained. “This is a historic by‑election, and it’s about winning big in London in the next few years.”
Polanski’s decision underscores the party’s willingness to prioritize electoral gains over internal gatherings. The conference, typically a hub for policy discussion and member engagement, will proceed without the party’s top leader, a move that signals the urgency of the campaign.
What’s Next?
The by‑election is scheduled for October 8. If the Greens succeed, it could reshape the political landscape in London and set the stage for a stronger presence at the next general election. Analysts remain divided; a recent YouGov MRP poll suggested that the Greens would not win any seats in London at the next general election. However, Polanski’s confidence and the party’s recent record of upsets suggest that the outcome is far from predetermined.
As the campaign heats up, Polanski will be canvassing door‑to‑door, engaging with local issues such as housing affordability and environmental policy. The result will determine whether the Greens can convert national momentum into a Westminster breakthrough and whether a historic upset is within reach.
Key facts
- Polanski vows to win a long‑held Labour seat
- Recent parliamentary and council successes boost Green confidence
- The by‑election tests the party’s national momentum
- Polanski skips party conference to focus on campaign
- Outcome could reshape London politics and future elections
Why it matters
A Green victory in Holborn & St Pancras would break a Labour stronghold, signalling a potential shift in urban politics and the rise of environmentally focused parties in the UK.
Frequently asked questions
What is the significance of the Holborn & St Pancras seat?
It has been held by Labour since 1983 and represents a long‑standing safe seat for the party.
Why is the Green Party targeting this seat?
The party believes local discontent with Labour’s housing and environmental policies offers an opportunity for a breakthrough.
When is the by‑election scheduled?
The election will take place on October 8.
How has the Green Party performed recently?
They won four seats in the 2024 general election and a fifth MP in a by‑election in Gorton and Denton.
Sources
- [1] standard.co.uk — originally reported as “'I'm the underdog but I can win' in Holborn & St Pancras insists Zack Polanski”
