Zack Polanski to Run for Former PM Starmer's Seat in By-Election

Zack Polanski, the Green Party leader, has confirmed he will run in the by-election for the Holborn and St Pancras seat following Sir Keir Starmer's resignation as MP.

Polanski, who is currently a London Assembly member but not a member of Parliament, said he was The Green Party leader Zack Polanski has confirmed he wants to stand in the by-election brought about by Sir Keir Starmer's resignation as MP.

Polanski, who is currently a London Assembly member but not a member of Parliament, said he was "so excited by the prospect" of being the first Green MP of Holborn and St Pancras.

"I have lived and worked in this community over many years, I know it well and I love it. "

It represents so many of the things that make London so special. I am so excited by the prospect of representing this place in Parliament.

"It's a clear fight between Labour and the Green Party. "

The Green Party currently has five MPs.

In order to officially be the Green candidate for the seat, Polanski needs to be selected by local party members - something his comments suggest will happen.

But there have been reports in recent days of splits among local Green activists, some of whom are said to favour a pro-Gaza candidate.

And it is currently unclear whether Andrew Feinstein, the independent runner-up to Sir Keir in the constituency at the 2024 general election, will stand too which could split the vote.

A date has not yet been set for the by-election.

Sir Keir had been MP for the area since 2015, but said he was quitting to focus on a role in international affairs.

The former prime minister had previously said he would stay on as an MP until the next UK general election, which is not due until 2029.

He said it was the "right time" for him to "pass the baton to a successor. "

"I will now focus on other things and that will be international affairs including defence, security, trade and technology in a fast-changing world," he added.

Sir Keir became prime minister after winning a landslide majority at the 2024 election, but quit No 10 after pressure from Labour MPs to stand aside.

Labor has not decided its candidate to potentially take on Polanski, with applications closing on Friday.

Keir Starmer announces he is standing down as MP

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