Polls Close in Holborn and St Pancras By-Election as Labour and Greens Battle for Starmer's Former Seat
Voters in Holborn and St Pancras have cast their ballots in a by-election to replace Sir Keir Starmer, with Labour facing a strong challenge from the Green Party in a contest seen as a test of the party's ability to hold its progressive flank.
Polls have closed in the Holborn and St Pancras by-election, where voters chose a new MP to replace Sir Keir Starmer in his former north London seat. The contest has drawn national attention as a direct head-to-head between Labour and the Green Party, with both sides hoping to claim a constituency that has been a Labour stronghold for more than four decades.
Voters had a choice of 15 candidates to replace Starmer, who resigned from the House of Commons last month. The seat had been held by Labour since its formation in 1983, first by Frank Dobson for 32 years and then by Starmer for 11. In the 2024 general election, Starmer won a majority of more than 11,000 votes, making the constituency one of the party's safest in the capital.
The by-election is widely viewed as a test of whether Andy Burnham can unite Labour's voters or whether Zack Polanski, the Green Party candidate, can peel off support from the party's progressive flank. Polanski has been hoping to capitalise on discontent among left-leaning voters, while Labour is seeking to retain the seat and demonstrate that its coalition remains intact.
The north London constituency, which includes areas such as Bloomsbury, King's Cross and Kentish Town, has a diverse electorate and a history of strong Labour support. However, the Green Party has made gains in similar urban seats in recent years, and a strong showing in Holborn and St Pancras would signal a significant shift in the political landscape.
Labour's campaign has focused on the party's record in government and its ability to deliver for local residents, while the Greens have emphasised environmental policy, social justice and a break from the political establishment. The result is expected to be announced in the early hours of the morning, with both parties watching closely for signs of broader electoral trends.
The by-election was triggered by Starmer's resignation from Parliament, which followed his decision to step down as Labour leader. His departure from the Commons opened up a seat that had been considered safe for Labour, but the Green Party's decision to contest it aggressively has turned the contest into a competitive race.
Turnout figures have not yet been released, but local officials reported a steady stream of voters throughout the day. The result will be keenly analysed for what it says about the strength of the main parties ahead of future electoral battles. A Labour hold would bolster the party's position, while a Green gain would represent a major upset and a warning sign for Labour in urban areas.
Both candidates have spent the final days of the campaign making a last push for votes, with senior figures from both parties visiting the constituency. The outcome will be declared once all ballots have been counted, with the returning officer expected to announce the result shortly after the count concludes.
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