Brief

Green candidate Zack Polanski urges vote to force government action on housing and climate

Polanski says a Green win would keep Labour in check on housing costs and climate measures.

By Felo News Desk · Published Wed, 07 Oct 2026 13:10:07 GMT

Zack Polanski, leader of the Green Party and candidate for the Holborn and St Pancras by‑election on Thursday, October 8, told voters that a Green victory would compel the Labour government to act on affordable housing, extreme summer heat and climate policy.

Polanski said he has knocked on hundreds of doors in the constituency, hearing residents describe the shortage of housing and sky‑high rents that force young families to choose between staying in the city and having children. He called for an emergency brake on rents to stop further increases.

The candidate linked the recent “terrifying” heat wave to the government’s plan to approve new oil and gas drilling, arguing that the threat of losing votes to the Greens delayed the decision. He noted the Green Party’s recent successes – a February by‑election win in Gorton and Denton and strong performance in May’s London local elections – as evidence of growing influence.

Polanski concluded that a Green MP would keep Labour in check, ensuring action on affordable housing, safe communities and a secure climate future for children in Holborn and St Pancras.

Key facts

Zack Polanski is the Green Party candidate for the Holborn and St Pancras by‑election on October 8, 2026. (standard.co.uk)
Polanski says an emergency rent‑price brake is needed to stop rents rising beyond what people can afford. (standard.co.uk)
He links the extreme summer heat to the government's planned oil and gas drilling, claiming the decision was delayed due to fear of losing votes to the Greens. (standard.co.uk)
The Green Party previously won a by‑election in Gorton and Denton in February and performed strongly in May’s London local elections. (standard.co.uk)