A by-election for the Holborn and St Pancras seat will take place on 8 October, following the resignation of former Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. The contest has attracted candidates from five major parties, each hoping to represent the London constituency that has been a Labour stronghold for years.
Starmer stepped down as MP on 1 September 2026 to pursue a role in international affairs, vacating a seat he had held for 11 years. Labour won the seat with a majority of 11,572 votes at the 2024 general election, making it one of the party's safest constituencies in the capital.
Nominations will close on Tuesday 15 September at 16:00 BST, after which the full candidate list will be published. Voters will have until 22 September to register, with postal vote applications due by 23 September.
Who is standing for Labour?
Camden Council leader Sagal Abdi-Wali has been selected to carry the Labour banner. Abdi-Wali was chosen as Labour's candidate on 9 September following a local party selection process. She has led the local authority since May 2026 and has served as a councillor for Camden Square since 2022. Labour received 96 applications for the candidacy, with the shortlist announced on 7 September containing three Camden councillors: Abdi-Wali, Camron Aref-Adib and Nasrine Djemai.
What is the Conservative approach?
Ewan Cameron represents the Conservative Party in this contest. Cameron served as a councillor on Camden Council from 1998 to 2002, during which time he held the position of vice-chair for licensing and served as a lead member on the development control committee. His candidacy reflects the Conservatives' effort to challenge Labour in a traditionally safe seat.
Who is the Green Party candidate?
Zack Polanski, who has led the Green Party of England and Wales since September 2025, is standing as the party's candidate. Polanski has been a member of the London Assembly since May 2021 and previously served as deputy leader of the Greens from 2022 to 2025. His selection marks a significant challenge to Labour from the left, with the party positioning itself as an alternative for voters concerned about affordability and corporate influence in politics.
What about the Liberal Democrats?
Patrick Stillman, a Liberal Democrat councillor for West Hampstead, is contesting the seat for his party. Stillman also serves as the outgoing chairman of Camden Liberal Democrats, bringing local political experience to the campaign.
Who represents the Rejoin EU Party?
Briony Kapoor is standing as the candidate for the Rejoin EU Party. Kapoor previously served two terms as an independent town councillor in Folkestone and Hythe, bringing local government experience to her candidacy.
What are the key dates?
Voters must register by 22 September to participate in the election. Postal vote applications close on 23 September, while applications for voter authority certificates and proxy votes must be submitted by 30 September. Polling day is Thursday 8 October 2026, with votes counted overnight and results published later that evening.
Key Facts
- The by-election follows Sir Keir Starmer's resignation as MP on 1 September 2026 after 11 years representing the constituency
- Labour held the seat with a majority of 11,572 votes in the 2024 general election, making it a longstanding party stronghold
- Five candidates from Labour, Conservative, Green, Liberal Democrat and Rejoin EU parties are contesting the seat
- Nominations close on 15 September at 16:00 BST, with the full candidate list to be published at 5pm that day
- Polling takes place on 8 October 2026, with results expected later that evening
