Lib Dems and Tories announce candidates for Holborn and St Pancras by-election
A by‑election in London’s Holborn and St Pancras will take place on 8 October after Sir Keir Starmer announced his resignation. The Liberal Democrats, Conservatives and Labour have each selected candidates, with the Greens also fielding a contender. The contest comes amid shifting voter loyalties a…
When former Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced that he would step down as the Member of Parliament for Holborn and St Pancras, the seat was set to go to a by‑election on 8 October. The move came after the 2024 general election and a series of local elections that saw Labour’s dominance in the constituency eroded by rising support for the Greens and independent candidates.
Who is running?
- Liberal Democrats: Patrick Stillman, a councillor for West Hampstead and the outgoing chairman of the Camden Liberal Democrats, has been selected to represent the party. Stillman has said he will focus on housing, safety and opportunities for young Londoners.
- Conservatives: Ewan Cameron, a former Camden councillor and local political campaigner, will stand for the Tories. Cameron highlighted the potential of the area’s Georgian terraces, the Regent’s Canal and the Knowledge Quarter, and called for safer streets and more family homes.
- Labour: Sagal Abdi‑Wali, the leader of Camden Council, has been chosen as Labour’s candidate. Abdi‑Wali is seen as the main threat to the party’s long‑standing hold on the seat.
- Green Party: Zack Polanski, the party’s leader, will also contest the by‑election, positioning himself as a serious challenger to Labour.
- Independent: Andrew Feinstein, a former Conservative MP who left the party, is also in the race, adding another layer of competition.
Why the seat matters
Holborn and St Pancras has been a Labour stronghold since its creation in 1983. The constituency includes key London landmarks such as the British Museum, the British Library and the bustling streets of Bloomsbury. Its demographic mix—students, professionals and a growing immigrant population—makes it a microcosm of the city’s broader political shifts.
Recent elections have shown a notable swing away from Labour. Voters have expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s stance on Gaza, leading to increased support for the Greens and independent candidates. This trend suggests that the upcoming by‑election could be a bellwether for the national mood ahead of the next general election.
Campaign themes and promises
Both Stillman and Cameron have framed their campaigns around local issues. Stillman promises to deliver a “distinct, confident liberal message” that prioritises housing affordability, safety and career opportunities for young people. He criticises what he calls a chaotic Labour government and a Green Party that he believes would use the seat to further its leader’s ambitions.
Cameron, on the other hand, stresses the need for a “Member of Parliament focused on safer streets, more family homes and cutting the cost of living.” He argues that Holborn and St Pancras has “enormous potential” that could be unlocked with the right political leadership. He also criticises the Green Party’s focus on Gaza, suggesting it is a distraction from local concerns.
Labour’s Abdi‑Wali, meanwhile, is expected to defend the party’s record on public services and social justice, while the Greens’ Polanski will likely emphasize environmental policies and the need for a more progressive stance on international affairs.
What’s next?
The nomination deadline for candidates is 15 September, giving parties a short window to finalise their campaigns. The by‑election will be held on 8 October, with voters expected to decide whether the seat remains in Labour hands or shifts to one of the challengers. The outcome will be closely watched by all parties, as it could signal broader trends in London and the UK as a whole.
Key takeaways
- Holborn and St Pancras will elect a new MP on 8 October following Sir Keir Starmer’s resignation.
- Candidates include Patrick Stillman (Lib Dems), Ewan Cameron (Conservatives), Sagal Abdi‑Wali (Labour), Zack Polanski (Greens) and Andrew Feinstein (Independent).
- Recent elections show a shift away from Labour, with increased support for Greens and independents.
- Campaigns focus on local issues such as housing, safety, and economic opportunity.
- The by‑election could serve as a barometer for national political sentiment ahead of the next general election.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why did Sir Keir Starmer resign? He announced his intention to step down as MP for Holborn and St Pancras when Parliament reconvened on 1 September, prompting the by‑election.
- What are the main issues in the campaign? Local concerns such as housing affordability, safety, and economic opportunity dominate, alongside national issues like the government’s Gaza policy.
- When is the election? The by‑election will take place on 8 October.
- Who is the most likely winner? Labour’s Sagal Abdi‑Wali is seen as the main threat to the party’s long‑standing hold, but the seat remains highly competitive.
Why it matters
The by‑election could signal shifting political loyalties in London and influence the balance of power in Parliament ahead of the next general election.
Key points
- Holborn and St Pancras by‑election set for 8 October after Sir Keir Starmer’s resignation
- Candidates: Patrick Stillman (Lib Dems), Ewan Cameron (Conservatives), Sagal Abdi‑Wali (Labour), Zack Polanski (Greens), Andrew Feinstein (Independent)
- Recent elections show a swing away from Labour toward Greens and independents
- Campaigns focus on housing, safety, cost of living, and local economic development
- Outcome will be a barometer for national political sentiment
Frequently asked questions
Why did Sir Keir Starmer resign?
He announced his intention to step down as MP for Holborn and St Pancras when Parliament reconvened on 1 September, prompting the by‑election.
What are the main issues in the campaign?
Local concerns such as housing affordability, safety, and economic opportunity dominate, alongside national issues like the government’s Gaza policy.
When is the election?
The by‑election will take place on 8 October.
Who is the most likely winner?
Labour’s Sagal Abdi‑Wali is seen as the main threat to the party’s long‑standing hold, but the seat remains highly competitive.
