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PoliticsGreen Party leader Zack Polanski hints at standing in Holborn and St Pancras by-election
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Green Party leader Zack Polanski has strongly hinted he will stand as a candidate in the upcoming Holborn and St Pancras by-election, triggered by the resignation of former Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Speaking on the first anniversary of his leadership, Polanski framed the contest as 'a referendum on ending rip-off Britain' and launched a scathing attack on Starmer's legacy. He criticized Starmer's removal of winter fuel payments, the two-child benefit cap, welfare cuts, the appointment of Peter Mandelson as US ambassador, allowing US use of UK air bases for strikes on Iran, cuts to international aid, and support for Israel's actions in Gaza. Polanski accused Starmer of supporting 'genocide of the Palestinian people' and criminalizing peaceful protest. A Green Party spokesman previously refused to rule out Polanski's candidacy, noting he has long expressed interest in becoming a London MP. No date has been set for the by-election, though it is expected in autumn 2026.
Source report
Zack Polanski has issued his strongest indication yet that he will stand as the Green Party candidate in the upcoming Holborn and St Pancras by-election, triggered by Sir Keir Starmer's resignation yesterday.
Speaking as he marked his first anniversary as Green Party leader, Polanski launched a blistering attack on the former prime minister, describing the contest as "a referendum on ending rip-off Britain."
Key Statements
Polanski said:
"The Holborn and St Pancras by-election will be a referendum on ending rip-off Britain. Only the Greens have a real plan for real hope and change."
"We will announce our candidate in due course and they will set out an exciting agenda for the deep change our country needs."
"I am proud of what I have achieved in the first year of my leadership of the Green Party but it is just the start."
"I am very excited for the next chapter for myself, for the Greens and for people across the country."
Party Position on Polanski's Candidacy
A Green Party spokesman on Tuesday refused to rule out Polanski becoming a candidate, noting that "he has always made it clear he would like to be a London MP."
Criticism of Starmer's Record
Polanski condemned Starmer's record on several fronts:
- Winter fuel payments: Removing payments from millions of pensioners
- Child benefit cap: Initially maintaining the two-child limit
- Welfare cuts: Attempting to reduce the welfare bill
- US ambassador appointment: Selecting Peter Mandelson, described by Polanski as "friend and confidant to the world's most notorious paedophile"
- Foreign policy: Allowing Donald Trump to use UK air bases for military action in Iran while cutting international aid
- Gaza conflict: Stating Israel had "the right to cut off water and power to Gaza" and supporting what Polanski called "the genocide of the Palestinian people"
- Domestic protest: Making it "a crime to oppose this genocide, locking up scores of peaceful protesters"
Polanski concluded:
"This is not a legacy to be proud of, it is a legacy of shame. One that only the Greens can draw a line under and offer a real alternative."
By-Election Timing
No date has been set for the by-election, though it is expected to take place at some point in the autumn.
Photo: Green Party leader Zack Polanski speaks as candidate for the Gorton and Denton by-election Hannah Spencer is announced in Manchester, England, Friday, Jan. 30, 2026. (AP Photo/Jon Super)
Source
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