On 1 September, Keir Starmer announced that he would be stepping down as the MP for Holborn and St Pancras. Following the announcement, there was speculation as to who the Green Party would stand as its candidate. Now, Greens leader Zack Polanski has confirmed he will be running to replace Starmer:

Labour stands up for corporations and big money.

I’ll stand up for people and our communities. https://t.co/ZEwdtS03es

— Zack Polanski (@ZackPolanski) September 3, 2026

Starmer’s decision to step down as an MP came after an earlier promise to remain in his seat.

Polanski for Holborn and St Pancras

Polanski grew up in Salford, Greater Manchester, but has lived in London since the 2000s. He currently serves as a London Assembly Member. Unlike in the Labour or Conservative parties, a Green does not need to be an MP to serve as the party leader.

Announcing his plan to stand in the Camden New Journal, Polanski said:

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.

Holborn and St Pancras has everything that’s the best of our country and so much potential.

But for too long now it’s been held back by governments who have failed to make the changes to improve people’s lives.

We know that the Greens can win here, and by electing me, voters will have someone who will always fight their corner – never scared of big donors or the party whip. Too often Labour has stood up for corporations and big money. I will stand up for people struggling to pay their bills.

Polanski previously stated a desire to stand should a by-election take place in London. Democratic processes within the Green Party, however, meant he first had to secure the support of local Green Party members.

“Clear fight”

Polanski also said:

It’s a clear fight between Labour and the Green Party. We know that people are struggling – that the things we used to afford are increasingly out of reach – and this is a chance to send a very clear message that we won’t sit by as we get poorer and extreme wealth is concentrated at the very top.

What voters in Holborn and St Pancras will get with me as their MP is someone totally dedicated to standing up for them. Put simply I will use my place in Parliament to force the current Labour government into making life more affordable for the people who live here.

Featured image via the Canary

By Willem Moore

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